abc13.com: Guns missing from Houston police property room

Administrators relieved of duty

(4/25/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - There's an investigation underway after almost two dozen weapons disappeared from the Houston Police Department property room.

The severity of this incident is not to be underestimated. Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt is calling this a 'disturbing situation.' He says a security breach resulted in 21 weapons being stolen. Hurtt adds he is not ruling out anyone as a suspect in this case.

Twenty-one weapons were reported stolen, including one long rifle or shotgun. Since the incident was reported, two of those guns have been recovered. Nineteen remain missing.

Two property room supervisors have been relieved of duty. They are both civilians, not members of the Houston police force.

Chief Hurtt says a random audit revealed a glaring discrepancy.

"The first indication a weapon was missing was October 26, 2006. At that time, a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol was being prepared for a November 2 gun destruction process," Chief Hurtt explained.

According to the chief, the 19 missing weapons are not involved in any on-going or pending court case at this time. The two administrators have been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)