×

Search for lost gun in Vienna turns up empty

VIENNA, W,Va., — After hours of searching with metal detectors, Vienna police said their search for a gun reported lost in the McDonough Wildlife Refuge came up empty.

Vienna Chief of Police George Young said the lost gun was reported to the department Wednesday. Young said the search teams did not find a gun anywhere in the park which is located across Rosemar Road from the Jackson Park ballfields.

“We got a call from a lady who said while she was jogging in the park, her gun fell from her holster and she could not locate it,” he said.

Young said at one point the department had two search parties covering the park’s trails trying to locate the gun.

“Maybe somebody found it and just haven’t stepped forward yet,” he said.

Young added the park’s terrain may keep the gun hidden for many years to come.

“There are places along the trails where a gun could roll and fall into a ravine that’s a good 40 to 50 feet deep; that gun is gone,” he said. “It will be there to the end of time.”

Young said this was the first time he had a report about a gun being lost.

On Thursday, Young said, the park was searched for five hours with metal detectors a second time and the gun was not to be found.

“This is something that is concerning to law enforcement and also to the public at large,” he said. “We were out there and we went over every trail she was on two or three times.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today