Woman finds police-issued rifle, bulletproof vests in Hertz rental
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia woman was shocked after she opened the trunk of her rental car to find a police-issued assault rifle and bulletproof vests inside.
The woman, a Williamsburg resident, rented the 2022 black Honda HRV on Jan. 10. When she opened the hatchback four days later, she was stunned by what she found.
A video that has now gone viral shows the moment she opened the trunk of her Hertz rental car to find Williamsburg police-issued bulletproof vests, equipment and a large case. Opening the latches of the case revealed a police-issued assault rifle.
The woman, who did not want her name revealed, said she rented the car for her daughter to use while she was in town visiting. About four days into renting, the woman had an issue with the seatbelt and lowered the back seat only to catch a look at some police tactical equipment. The trunk revealed bulletproof vests, a tactical helmet and headset, as well as a long gun with a full clip. She said she called someone she knows in the military to help her disarm the gun.
Her grandsons, ages 6 and 11, had been sitting in the drop-down seats just inches from the equipment, which had not been fully secured, she said.
The woman went to the Williamsburg Police Department to turn the equipment in and met with a supervisor. She said the police were also concerned by the find.
“And they opened the box and their eyes got even bigger," the woman said. "I said, 'And you need to understand when I found it, I Facetimed with someone who told me how to push that button and remove that clip because that clip was in the gun, and it is my understanding that means that gun was fully loaded and ready to go.”
The woman also said, "It seemed as though they didn't even know the equipment and gun was missing. I know they didn’t know it was missing. I have no doubt that they were not looking for the equipment.”
She went on to ask about accountability. “That was the question for me. How do you have that type of equipment missing from a local police department for at least five days without someone asking where this equipment is?”
Police would not meet with Nexstar's WAVY. However, Nicole Trifone, Williamsburg's communications director, said in an email that "an internal investigation is underway. At the investigation's conclusion, the appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken."
The woman wondered under what circumstances the police equipment would be left behind.
“Well, one of them said, 'I'm wondering if ... the car was rented and the equipment [was] placed [in it] for an assignment that was canceled, or something to that effect," she said. "The car was meant to be the place for the equipment for an assignment that was canceled or something to that effect, if that makes sense. They briefly said that to each other before taking the equipment inside.”
Hertz corporate released a statement saying, "This situation is unacceptable and we are taking immediate corrective action, including reinforcing our policies and protocols to prevent such incidents."
An emailed reply the woman received from the company read:
"Thank you for your patience. I have received confirmation you were able to work with the local team and authorities to resolve the matter of the items found in the vehicle. Please know we take all customer concerns very seriously. Thank you for being a loyal Gold member with us. For future inquiries do not hesitate to reach out to us at executivecustomerservice@hertz.com and thank you for choosing Hertz."