$7,000 Radiation Device Stolen From Car In Connecticut

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A suspect is in custody after a radiation device was stolen from a car in Bridgeport.

A Troxler 3440 Nuclear Dosimeter – a device used for measuring ground density – was reported stolen Tuesday morning. The resident of 218 Douglas St. told Bridgeport police the radiation device worth $7,000 was taken from the trunk of his car.

Police said if the device was altered, it could expose people to dangerous levels of radiation.

"If they were to breach this and be in close proximity for any extended period of time it could cause some physical harm," Neal Sheehan of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said.

"We were very concerned," city spokesman Av Harris said.

The device, which was in a yellow case, was found at East Coast Pawn on 76 Glenwood Ave.

A debit card was also taken from the car and was used at a Redbox located in the Walgreen's parking lot at 1000 Park Ave. around 5 a.m.

A suspect is in custody at this time.