The incident happened on April 19 in the parking lot of the Tacoma Lawn and Tennis Club. A surveillance camera captured video of the 15-second break-in.

"(The) suspect on surveillance video shows him walking up, looks inside, broke out window, reached in and grabbed the briefcase and got back in his vehicle and fled the scene," said Mark Fulghum.

The briefcase contained the detective's .40-caliber handgun, his badge, department-issued identification and other department and personal items.

Police said the detective, who is in his 40s, has been with Tacoma police since 1985. Police will determine whether he violated policy regarding his weapon and equipment.

"It wasn't out in plain sight. Everything was put away in the bag and the bag was -- I won't say hidden, but out of view -- so it wasn't like it was obviously left out," Fulghum said.

"The big concern is he's got the gun and the badge," Fulghum said. "Either he keeps it or trades it off to someone else. A lot of things can happen with it, none of them good."

The suspect has been identified as Craig M. Hjalseth, 26. Police said they have developed probable cause for his arrest.

Police said Hjalseth has a long criminal record in Pierce County. They said he has been booked 15 times, accused of burglary and pawning items.

Anyone with information on Hjalseth is asked to call Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers at 253-591-5959.