ATF, Aurora P.D., and Firearms Industry Offer Reward in Firearms Theft

Seeking public’s help in the burglary of firearms business

CHICAGO — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Aurora Police Department, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary of J. R. Shooting Sports, a federal firearm licensee (FFL), in Aurora, Ill.  ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000.

On Mar. 27, 2017, at approximately 12:05 a.m., two unidentified suspects entered J.R. Shooting Sports, located at 519 North Oakhurst Drive, Aurora, and removed numerous firearms from the premises. This crime is being investigated by ATF and the Aurora Police Department.

     

“Through experience, we know that stolen firearms are used by violent criminals to perpetrate additional crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Celinez Nunez, ATF Chicago Field Division.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said, “We are seeking the assistance from the public for any information that might assist in the apprehension of the individuals responsible for this burglary, and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.”

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the ATF at (800) ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or the Aurora Police Department at (630) 256-5500. Information can also be sent to ATF via the mobile app www.reportit.com (link is external) by using the Chicago Field Division as the location. All calls will be kept confidential.

The reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. 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.