A lost bean bag shotgun was recovered by workers by the San Diego (405) Freeway near the Skirball Center Drive off-ramp and returned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, authorities said today.
The shotgun, stored inside a black canvas bag, was recovered by construction workers driving southbound on the freeway around 7:45 a.m. Saturday, according to a department statement.
The workers believed the bag contained tools, but then discovered the shotgun, which was loaded with four beanbag shells, inside. It could operate as a regular shotgun if loaded with the appropriate shells.
The bag was lost from the trunk of a patrol vehicle from the Malibu/Lost Hills Station that was en route to a call in Hollywood, the statement said.
The officers became aware of the loss after they were flagged down by a passer-by, who told them the vehicle’s trunk was ajar. An extensive search failed to recover the bag.
The bag, shotgun and rounds were turned into law enforcement Tuesday evening, the statement said.
An investigation into the initial loss of the shotgun is continuing.