DAYTON, Ohio -- A deadly weapon that belonged to a Dayton police officer and went missing for three weeks is back in the hands of the police department.

The AR-15 assault rifle was tracked down at a home in Trotwood early Thursday morning.

Dayton Officer James Hardin first reported the assault rifle missing in mid-February.

He said he had been handling a theft call near Wayne and Wilmington avenues and had apparently left the rifle on the hood of his cruiser when he drove away.

Police said an intensive investigation brought them to a house on Brumbaugh Blvd., which is where they found the rifle, $4,500 in cash and some marijuana.

Officers said the gun changed hands multiple times before getting to the homeowner in Trotwood.

Sgt. Kelly Hamilton said, "He cooperated fully. He stated that he bought the rifle from another individual."

The FBI is now investigating the case. The homeowner was not arrested.

Dayton police are not commenting if the officer who initially lost the rifle will face any disciplinary action.