Items stolen from deputy recovered

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - Authorities in Las Cruces have recovered a .40-caliber service handgun and other items that were stolen when a Dona Ana County sheriff sergeant's patrol vehicle was burglarized at the Mesilla Valley Mall.

Four arrests have been made. Sheriff's officials didn't immediately disclose names.

The handgun was turned in by a person not involved in the July 14 theft. That led to recovery of three high-capacity magazines, ammunition, a stun-gun, holsters and part of a handcuff.

Sheriff's officials have said the sergeant appeared to be following mall policy by leaving his weapons inside a marked Ford pickup.

Mall administrators say no weapons are allowed on the property, except for on-duty police officers who are responding to a call.