HILMAR, Calif. (AP) - Merced County authorities are searching for four suspects who posed as narcotics investigators to steal marijuana from a man growing plants for medicinal purposes.
Sheriff's officials say the suspects arrived at the Hilmar home Thursday evening and told the owner they needed to check on his marijuana plants to make sure he was complying with state law.
Officials say the suspects then pulled out a handgun, handcuffed the owner and harvested about 20 mature plants from his marijuana garden before driving away in two vehicles. Before they left, they uncuffed the man and told him not to report the robbery.
Authorities say the men were dressed in shorts and T-shirts - without anything that identified them as law enforcement officials.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
