ATF Offers Reward in Gun Store Burglary

ATF, Allegan County Sheriff’s Seek Public’s Help in Southwick’s Guns, Ammo and Gear Store

OTSEGO TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Southwick’s Guns, Ammo, and Gear store, a federal firearm licensee (FFL).

On Oct. 28, 2016, at 11:47 p.m., two suspects wearing bandanas and gloves broke into Southwick’s Guns, Ammo and Gear store, located at 1271 M89 in Plainwell. The suspects stole 10 handguns and were in and out of the store in 31 seconds. The theft was not discovered until October 29, when the store was opened. The suspects entered the store through a smashed out window, which did not trigger the alarm.

ATF is offering a reward in the amount of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearm industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the ATF at (800) ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 673-0500. Information can also be sent to ATF via the mobile app Reportit, which is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com (link is external). All calls and tips will be kept confidential.