WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — A woman says was shocked — and more than a little concerned — after she opened the trunk of her rental car to find a Williamsburg Police-issued weapon inside.

The 2022 black Honda HRV is still in the driveway of a Williamsburg resident who rented the car Jan. 10. When she opened the hatchback four days later, she was stunned by what she found.

A video given to NewsNation affiliate WAVY, which has gone viral, showed the moment a woman opened the trunk of her Hertz rental car to find police-issued bulletproof vests, equipment and a large case. Opening the latches of the case revealed a police-issued weapon.

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. Around four days into renting, the renter 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 to disarm the gun.

Her grandsons, ages 6 and 11, had been sitting in the drop-down seats, just inches from the equipment that was not 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 there were also concerned by the find, the woman said.

“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.” 

She went on to speak about accountability.

“That was the question for me,” she said. “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?”

WAVY went to the Williamsburg Police Department, but police did not meet with the station. However, in an email from Nicole Trifone, Williamsburg’s communications director, she said that “an internal investigation is underway. At the investigation’s conclusion, the appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.”

So what was the reaction from Williamsburg Police?

“It seemed as though they didn’t even know the equipment and gun was missing,” the renter said. “I know they didn’t know it was missing. I have no doubt that they were not looking for the equipment.” 

Which presents the question: under what circumstance would the police equipment 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. ” in the car that was rented. 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.” 

At the Hertz car rental on Richmond Road, the branch manager did not say much about cars not being fully cleaned out.

“Yes, it is a great learning opportunity,” the manager said. “I’m going to get you that information and I’ll meet you in front.”

WAVY met the person in front and reached out to Hertz corporate. Their statement can be found below:

This situation is unacceptable and we are taking immediate corrective action, including reinforcing our policies and protocols to prevent such incidents.

Hertz spokesperson

The woman felt like Hertz did not express the same level of concern for not inspecting the vehicle before renting it out.

The emailed reply she said she received was forwarded to WAVY.

Dear Ms. [anonymous],

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.

Best regards,

[name] Hertz Executive Customer Service 

The woman told 10 On Your Side she wants to avoid this ever happening to anyone else.