Police Department Gets Armored Vehicle
The El Monte Police Department added a new weapon to its arsenal Friday: an armored, military surplus vehicle complete with bulletproof glass and gun turret.
The so-called “Peacekeeper” truck, also known as a Commando Ranger, will be used during tactical incidents to transport police and to rescue people in harm’s way, said El Monte Police Lt. Craig Sperry.
Capable of speeds of up to 70 mph, the vehicle was built in the 1970s for the military to patrol missile silos, Sperry said.
The truck, valued at $66,000, was obtained through the California Counter-Drug Procurement Program, which distributes surplus military equipment to police agencies.
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