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Calif. chief fired over stolen service gun scandal

Prostitute stole sergeant’s gun, badge, ammo and handcuffs from a hotel room as he slept. Chief was criticized over his handling of the investigation

Associated Press

KENSINGTON, Calif. — A small Northern California town has fired its police chief over his handling of an investigation into a sergeant accused of having his gun stolen by a prostitute at a Nevada hotel.

The Oakland Tribune reports that the governing board of Kensington announced Monday that it was ending contract negotiations with Chief Greg Harman.

Many residents had criticized Harman since the newspaper reported nine days ago that a prostitute stole Sgt. Keith Barrow’s gun, badge, ammunition and handcuffs from a Reno hotel room as Barrow slept.

The weapon was recovered the next day when the prostitute’s pimp shot himself in the leg during a pawnshop altercation.

Barrow wasn’t placed on leave when the department learned of the theft or during its eight-month investigation. He’ll serve a suspension.

Harman didn’t immediately respond to a call and email seeking comment Tuesday.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press

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