A rifle and flashlight – those were the targets of a thief who broke into a Mono Sheriff’s Department patrol car last week. The burglar broke out a window in the vehicle which was parked near the Mono County Probation Office. Stolen were a Department long rifle which had been secured and locked in a gun rack and also a flashlight.

Officerssaid that the investigation included information from local citizens and help from El Dorado County Law Enforcement. 26 year old Rustin Charnock was identified as a suspect. Officers said that Charnock recently had moved back to the Bridgeport area.

Officers found Charnock at his mother’s home. Deputies said Charnock was on probation and so a search was conducted of the home and surrounding area. Officers said that during the search, they found the stolen items. They arrested Charnock who now faces numerous felony charges including, burglary, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a weapon and probation violation.