Harvey Police Allegedly Interfere with Gun Theft Investigation - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Harvey Police Allegedly Interfere with Gun Theft Investigation

Harvey Police are under fire tonight for interfering with an investigation into the theft of more than 20 high-powered guns and rifles from a police gun range.

The weapons were taken sometime over the weekend from a facility used by Harvey Police and other departments for target practice and officer certification.

The missing stash includes MP-5 and AR-15 rifles, but the thief was picky and some guns were left behind.

The Harvey Police chief asked the Cook County Sheriff's Department to help with the case, but late tonight the Sheriff's Department withdrew from the investigation.

Steve Patterson with the Cook County Sheriff's Department said his people would help with the case as long as they were allowed to do so without interference from Harvey police.

But when Cook County officers attempted to question people who might have been involved, they realized Harvey Police had not kept their promise to allow a free and clear investigation. After only five hours on the case the sheriff's department pulled out.

"It has become abundantly clear that the work by our officers would not be independent," Patterson said.

The Harvey Police Department has been under investigation for years, for mishandling murders and for corruption involving its officers.

The Illinois State Police and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms are still assisting.