(La Porte County, IN) - Two La Porte residents have been arrested in connection with a stolen box truck, which was later found to contain items like guns and drugs.  Matthew Murphy, 34, and Christen Bridegroom, 26, are charged in La Porte Circuit Court.

According to court records, the moving truck was stolen in La Porte and located the next day in the driveway of a residence on 400 South, about two miles east of Kingsbury.  During a search of the home, officers were initally unable to locate Murphy, who was soon found trying to slip away on foot.  Police said Bridegroom was one of three women standing around the box truck when officers showed up.

Police said the investigation shows the Budget Rent a Car box truck was reported stolen in La Porte.  Court documents revealed the contents of the truck to include a shotgun with serial numbers removed, two other firearms, ammunition and marijuana.  Also reported to be found in the stolen truck by Police were prescription drugs and other medication for erectile dysfunction.

Murphy and Bridegroom are both charged in connection with the theft, removing of the serial numbers from the gun, and illegal possession of marijuana and prescription drugs.