The undersheriff says the deputy tried unsuccessfully to find the weapon when he realized it was missing.

SOUTH BOARDMAN, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say they're looking for northern Michigan sheriff deputy's rifle that's missing after he inadvertently left it atop his patrol vehicle.

The Kalkaska County sheriff's office says the .223-caliber rifle has been missing since mid-May, when the deputy put the weapon on the roof while adjusting his vehicle's equipment in the South Boardman area, about 190 miles northwest of Detroit.

The deputy apparently forgot that the rifle was on the vehicle and drove off. Undersheriff David Wagner II says the deputy tried unsuccessfully to find the weapon when he realized it was missing.

The sheriff's office is seeking the rifle's return. Anyone with information about it is asked to contact the sheriff's office or another law enforcement agency.

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