According to the Texas City Police Department, the equipment was stolen from an unmarked GCSO vehicle that was located at a Texas City home on Friday. Officials said a .300 Blackout AR equipped with a suppressor, a sheriff's office-issued ballistic vest, and a deputy's duty belt were all stolen from the vehicle.
Investigators said they conducted surveillance on a residence in Texas City. During the operation, a person left the location and was later stopped by deputies, GCSO officials said.
The person admitted that the stolen rifle and ballistic vest were inside the residence, according to authorities. Investigators said they then conducted a surround-and-call-out of the residence, at which time multiple people exited the home without incident.
GCSO said deputies then obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence. Deputies said they recovered the stolen .300 Blackout rifle, ballistic vest, and additional confirmed stolen property, including a Smith & Wesson handgun, in the home.
Authorities said a juvenile suspect was identified in connection with the case and is now in custody.