Even an ex-cop can be a victim of crime. Just ask Bob Smith, a candidate in the 34th Assembly District Republican primary.

Smith, a former deputy sheriff in San Bernardino County, said he was attending a barbecue in Visalia about 6:30 p.m. Monday, and had parked his car along Lovers Lane.

A fellow guest went to get something from her car and came back with news that another car’s window had been shattered. It was Smith’s car. The rear driver-side window was smashed.

Missing from the car was a bag containing his handgun, credit cards and a checkbook. And his campaign literature was strewn all over the road.

“It’s so frustrating,” Smith said. “I spent the day cancelling cards.”

When asked if he should have kept the valuables in the trunk, especially a handgun, he said he keeps his weapon in the bag, but within reach when in the drivers seat.