Marion County: $5,000 reward offered after guns stolen in Rural King burglary
Authorities are on the hunt for three thieves who broke into the Rural King farm supply store in Marion County and stole multiple firearms. The burglary occurred around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the store at 233 America Blvd.
Surveillance footage shows the burglars smashing through two sets of glass doors using a heavy object before entering the store. All three were wearing gloves, face coverings, and glasses. One of them was seen carrying a suitcase, and another grabbed firearms from a display case. The group was in and out within moments, leaving behind shattered glass and a boarded-up entryway.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are working together to solve the case. Evidence collected at the scene is being processed at a crime lab.
The ATF, in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Authorities have not disclosed how many or what types of firearms were stolen, but officials emphasize that stolen firearms often have significant street value, particularly in the drug trade.
“It takes all of us to solve these types of crimes,” said an ATF spokesperson.
Anyone with information about the burglary is encouraged to contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or email [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted through the ReportIt app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
This case is part of a continuing initiative between the ATF and NSSF to combat firearm thefts from federally licensed dealers. Community cooperation is critical to recovering the stolen firearms and holding those responsible accountable.
For now, the Rural King’s broken doors serve as a reminder of the criminals’ brazen act, but investigators are hopeful that tips from the public will lead to their capture.
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