Police: Stolen OPD AR-15 rifle recovered, 2 arrested

A 26-year-old man is accused of using an AR-15 rifle stolen from an Orlando Police Department vehicle to shoot at an intersection in Orange County, officials said.

Anthony Bush, of Orlando, was arrested Feb. 25 after someone reported gunshots fired at the intersection of Janson Street and South Buena Vista Avenue, according to the police department.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded, finding the stolen AR-15 with a bag of cocaine hidden behind a tree at the intersection, OPD officials said. They found Bush at his home down the street and arrested him on charges of armed possession of cocaine and grand theft.

The AR-15 had been stolen Feb. 14 from a locked, unmarked OPD truck during a spate of seven auto burglaries at Lake Nona Water Mark Apartments at 7650 Lower Gateway Loop, police said. The OPD vehicle’s back window had been smashed open to get the gun early that morning.

On Wednesday, police also arrested a 17-year-old boy believed to have been involved in stealing the gun. Detectives identified the teen as a suspect with help from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The teen was arrested on charges of armed burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief, OPD spokespersons said. He was taken to the Orlando juvenile detention center.

The Lake Nona Water Markers Apartments incident was the second AR-15 stolen from Orlando Police in a span of two weeks. The other incident happened Jan. 28.

In a third recent gun theft from a law-enforcement vehicle, an AR-15 rifle with a scope and two 30-round magazines were stolen out of a Tavares police officer’s car while it was parked in the driveway of his Eustis home.

The Orlando Police Department has since implemented a policy to removed all firearms from unmarked vehicles when officers go off duty. A long-term solution is being considered.

The Orlando Sentinel is not naming the teenager because he’s a minor.

Bush remains in the Orange County Jail on a $10,250 bond.