Caroline County Sheriff Homer Johnson was puzzled Thursday when he learned that suspected thieves had spray-painted the words "tuna can" at the scene of the crime.

He became angry when he learned what the words meant. An investigator told Johnson the term came from a Batman movie and referred to a car with no wheels.

That's exactly what the thieves left Johnson after breaking into the county maintenance shop and stealing all four wheels from a Sheriff's Office cruiser.

According to Johnson, the suspects entered the shop on Devils Three Jump Road, less than a half mile east of Caroline High School, by cutting a large hole in the fence.

They took the four wheels from a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria, hubcaps and all. The total value of the stolen property is $926, Johnson said.

The suspects then sprayed the taunting words in blue paint on the ice and snow near the cruiser.

Johnson said the cruiser is assigned to Deputy Howard Castles, who is currently on vacation. The car was at the garage for routine servicing and new tires.

"He's going to be hopping mad when he gets back," Johnson said.

Johnson said all Sheriff's Office vehicles and other county vehicles are serviced at the county garage. He didn't recall any past incidents involving the cruisers.

Johnson said he doesn't think the thieves will be laughing much longer. He said police already have suspects in the case--people Castles has had dealings with in the past.

"I imagine they're pretty impressed with themselves right now," Johnson said. "We'll see who's laughing later."