ICarry.org - Guns stolen from gun range operated by Harvey police

May 11, 2010

BY FRANK MAIN Crime Reporter

More than 20 weapons have been stolen from a gun range operated by south suburban Harvey’s police department — and the State Police and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the efforts to recover them, officials said today.

Harvey authorities have told federal and state investigators that 21 firearms were stolen at about 9 a.m. Monday from a trailer at the range, said Tom Ahern, a spokesman for ATF.

An assault rifle like this MP5 -- and 20 other guns -- was stolen from a Harvey Police gun range, sources said.

Sandra Alvarado, spokesman for Harvey, said the city also will ask the Cook County Sheriff’s office for assistance. A message was sent to departments across the Chicago area alerting them about the burglary, she said.

The weapons included MP5 and AR-15 assault rifles, sources said, adding that some weapons were left behind.

The range is located at 153rd and Campbell — about half a mile from the Harvey Police Department’s headquarters at 15301 Dixie Highway.

The Harvey Police Department has come under scrutiny in recent years for its handling of murder investigations and for corruption convictions involving its officers.

A 2007 raid on the department by the Cook County state’s attorney’s office and other agencies uncovered untested evidence. It was processed, leading to murder and rape charges.

Last year, Officer Archie Stallworth was sentenced to 12 years in prison on a federal drug conviction. Also last year, Detective Hollis Dorrough was sentenced in Cook County Criminal Court to three years in prison for returning a gun to a gang member’s family.