Unlocked police car taken as officer helps serve warrant

New Carrollton police say an officer's cruiser was stolen while he helped another officer serve a warrant.

Police say the officer left the car unlocked and running about 3 a.m. Sunday at an apartment building while responding to a call for backup. New Carrollton Police Chief David Rice says the cruiser was found about an hour later parked between two buildings down the block.

The police chief says the trunk had been opened — but nothing was missing and the car had minimal damage.

Rice says it's against protocol to leave a vehicle running. The officer remains on active duty but could be disciplined once the investigation is completed.

— The Washington Post