NORWAY (NEWS CENTER Maine) – In the early morning hours of June 16th, State Police say two weapons were stolen from the passenger compartment of a trooper’s cruiser. The vehicle was parked in the officer’s driveway on Alpine Street in Norway.
Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, says they have been “quietly investigating” for the last week and believe the firearms were stolen for cash or drugs.
The two weapons were an AR-15 rifle and a .38 revolver.
Pa's Tradin' Co. in Oxford confirms to NEWS CENTER Maine police recently visited the pawn shop to notify them to be on the lookout if someone were to try to sell the stolen weapons.
All pawn shops in Maine are regulated by the state.
Joe Stinson and his wife Julie have over three decades of combined experience in the pawn shop business. They own Stinson & Company in Portland.
“I’ve actually bought stuff that looked legit, and it wasn't," said Joe Stinson.
Stinson says every transaction he makes is documented and information about the seller and item go into a regional database. Police have access to that, and are able to flag stolen items.
State police are urging anyone with information on the Norway case to come forward. “If anyone knows anything, we’d like to hear about it,” said McCausland.
If you have any information about the theft or firearms you are asked to call (207) 624-7076.