ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary

36 Firearms Stolen from High Powered Armory

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Youngstown Police Department, announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from High Powered Armory, 2500 Market St., Youngstown, Ohio, on Sunday.

ATF and the Youngstown PD are investigating the theft of 36 firearms. Investigators have developed information regarding this burglary. However, additional information provided from the public may assist in solving the case. Please go to http://www.atf.gov/field/columbus/ to see a photograph of a "persons of interest" whom law enforcement would like to identify and subsequently interview concerning this investigation.

"Having investigated similar cases in the past, we know stolen firearms are used in furtherance of drug- and gang-related activities and are utilized by violent criminals to perpetrate additional crimes," said Robin Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Columbus Field Division.

Youngstown Police Chief Rod Foley added, "Law enforcement is seeking assistance from the public in locating these weapons and identifying those responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to call the ATF crime gun hotline 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or the Youngstown PD at (330) 747-7911. The ATF hotline is toll free and callers may remain anonymous.

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

Contacts: Senior Special Agent David Coulson Public Information Officer, ATF (219) 746-9776