South Bend police probe loaded department gun found in road

MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) - South Bend police are investigating how a loaded department-issued handgun ended up along a busy northern Indiana roadway.

The South Bend Police Department began an internal investigation after a reporter for WNDU-TV found the gun Sept. 17 along Indiana 23 in Mishawaka, just east of South Bend.

The 9 mm Smith and Wesson had "SBPD" engraved on its side and police confirmed it belongs to the department.

The South Bend Tribune reports that the police investigation into the gun should be completed in about 30 days.

Police spokesman Ken Garcia says the department will release information as soon as it is able.

Police are checking to see if department policy and procedures were followed, if any laws were broken or if an officer did not follow his or her training.

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Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com