U.S. Secret Service agent's gun, badge stolen in parked car

The U.S. Secret Service on Tuesday confirmed that the gun, badge, radio and other items of one of its agents were stolen Monday from his personal car in downtown Washington D.C.

The incident occurred Monday afternoon outside an office building near the agency's headquarters. The agent returned to his parked car hours later only to find a window open and a black Patagonia bag with his stuff missing, media reports said.

The bag contained the agent's black Sig Sauer handgun, a portable radio, the official badge No. 1266, a USB drive and handcuffs. The agent, whose identity was not released, reportedly works in the Presidential Protective Division.

Washington D.C. Police have started an investigation into the incident, but have not identified any suspect so far.

The Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the safety of the president and his family, confirmed Tuesday that the report about the theft was accurate, without disclosing further details.

The agency has suffered from a series of setbacks in recent years due to the scandals involving its agents' solicitation of prostitution during foreign trips, and dereliction of duty by failing to prevent intruders from breaking into the White House. Endi