Earlier this month, a civilian stumbled upon an M4 rifle that had accidentally fallen off a truck belonging to the Delaware National Guard.
This occurred during the vehicle’s 30-mile trek from New Castle to the Smyrna Readiness Center, where nearly 300 troops were scheduled to pick up their weapons in preparation for deployment to Washington, D.C., for the Presidential inauguration, as explained by a representative from the Delaware National Guard.
Recovery Efforts
The rifle was reported missing shortly after military personnel became aware of its absence.
The Delaware State Police took charge of the recovery operation and managed to locate the firearm the very next day.
Interestingly, it turned out that the person who found the rifle did not notify the authorities right away.
Legal Implications
Delaware officials have not disclosed whether the civilian had intentions of keeping the rifle.
Following an investigation, state police decided not to file any charges against the individual.
According to the state’s criminal code, a person could face misdemeanor charges if they knowingly receive or retain stolen property to deprive the rightful owner of it, with potential felony charges if the item’s value surpasses $1,500.
Military Protocol and Incidents
In military operations, strict protocols govern the handling of lost weapons.
When controlled items go missing, entire units can face serious consequences, such as increased duty hours or being called in during the weekends.
This incident is part of a worrying pattern, as there have been several recent occurrences of unaccounted military property.
For instance, in January, three Humvees were stolen from an Army Reserve Center in California, and in June 2024, the theft of 31 pistols and optical devices from Fort Moore, Georgia, led to the Army offering a $15,000 reward for their return.
As the Delaware National Guard looks to understand how the rifle fell from the truck, officials are reviewing their internal policies.
It remains unclear if any staff members will face action once this review is complete.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com