Assault Rifle Stolen from Salinas Police Chief in Vehicle Burglary.

A department-issued assault rifle was stolen from the trunk of an unmarked police vehicle assigned to Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin during a burglary this week.

The theft is being investigated by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office because it occurred outside city limits. 

Multiple sources who spoke off the record because they were not authorized to talk to the press confirmed the theft had taken place. The weapon was reported to be an AR15, so called because the company that developed it in the 1950s is ArmaLite.

Citing an ongoing investigation, McMillin declined to confirm the theft had taken place. Sheriff’s Office officials could not be reached for immediate comment and Salinas City Manager Ray Corpuz is on vacation and could not be reached for comment. 

According to the Salinas Police Department Policy Manual, it's not against the rules to store a weapon in a vehicle as long as the weapon and vehicle are properly locked and secured. "Members shall ensure that all firearms and ammunition are locked and secured while in their homes, vehicles or other areas under their control and in a manner that will keep them inaccessible to children and others who should not have access," the policy reads. 

It adds that negligent storage of a firearm could result in criminal and civil liability.