ATF Offers Reward in Gun Store Burglaries

ATF, Kent County Sheriff, Grand Rapids Police and Grandville Police Seek Public’s Help

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Rapids Police Department, Grandville Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a reward for information leading to the recovery of guns stolen from two federal firearms licensees (FFL) in Kent County.

On Sept. 16, 2017, suspects broke into Cabela’s, 3000 44th St. S.W., in Grandville and stole 13 handguns.

On Sept. 24, 2017, suspects broke into the Barracks 616 store, 5740 Foremost Dr., S.E., in Grand Rapids and stole 20 handguns. To date, five of the stolen handguns have been recovered, 28 are unaccounted.

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 ATF at (800) ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at (616) 632-6125. 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.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov