At a news conference this morning, LAPD Chief Bernard Parks (pictured, below) said Officer Rafael Antonio Perez allegedly stole six pounds of cocaine, according to The Associated Press. The cocaine is estimated to be worth $800,000 on the street. Parks called the arrest "sad and tragic news," said AP. Perez, 31, was booked for investigation of theft, possession of cocaine with intent to sell and forgery, said the wire service.
Perez allegedly used another officer's identification to check the cocaine out of an evidence room at the LAPD's downtown headquarters in March, said The Times. He allegedly falsely claimed the cocaine was needed for court. Authorities said a search warrant was served today on the officer's home but no cocaine was found, said AP.
Parks says two other people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, said the wire service. Neither one is a police employee.
LAPD Officer Arrested In Cocaine Theft
Officer Accused Of Taking Six Pounds Of Cocaine From LAPD Property Room
LOS ANGELES, Updated 7:25 p.m. August 25, 1998 -- A nine-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department is under arrest today for allegedly stealing cocaine from a department property room. 
The officer, who was assigned to the Rampart Division, has worked narcotics cases in the past, reported The Los Angeles Times. 