Festus Police are investigating the theft of a handgun from an SUV in Festus. The gun was valued at about $950, police reported.
Chief Tim Lewis said the victim, a 66-year-old Festus man, believes the theft occurred March 6, but he did not report it until nine days later, on March 15.
“(The victim) walked in to report a firearm had been stolen from his (vehicle) in Festus on March 6 between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.,” Lewis said. “He had been driving around to several places in Festus, so he does not know where it was stolen. It was stolen from his 2003 Ford SUV. Evidently, the vehicle was unlocked. He kept the handgun under the front seat.”
Lewis said he did not know why the victim waited to report the theft, speculating that the man had spent time searching for it before going to the police.
As of March 21, the gun had not been recovered and no arrests had been made, Lewis said. Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Festus Police at 636-937-3646.