$10K reward offered after firearms stolen from Henrico business
HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and National Shooting Sports Foundation are offering up to a $10,000 reward for information in connection to firearm burglaries at a Henrico business.
A Henrico Police Detective with the case said there were three burglaries associated with this business in the 4900 block of West Broad Street, near Willow Lawn. The first burglary occurring in December 2019.
"It's extremely important we catch these individuals,” said Det. Brent Rose. “There are numerous firearms that are in the hands of individuals we don't know who they are right now, but it's a very dangerous situation."
A spokesperson for New American Arms confirmed to NBC12 the business was the victim of these break-ins dating back to Dec. 8, 2019. That burglary wasn’t caught on camera, but the ones following in January were.
“Suspects gained entry through breaking glass in front of the business,” Rose said.
Police said two people were caught on camera breaking into the shop on Sunday, Jan. 19 around 3:30 a.m. Then ten days later, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, around 5 a.m., cameras caught three people who police said broke into that same shop.
Rose believes one of those people may be responsible for the two break-ins last month based on physical features.
“Stature, build, similar clothing... he’s a pretty large individual,” Rose said.
In all these burglaries several firearms were stolen, but an exact number was not released.
[ Henrico police investigating after firearms stolen ]
Now ATF and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are offering up to $10,000 to catch the person or people responsible for these crimes.
"Anyone who uses illegal means to obtain firearms is someone of serious concern for law enforcement,” said ATF Washington Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict. "Our mission and focus is on keeping communities safe and ensuring that law-abiding business owners can operate without fear of attacks on their livelihood. We will continue to work closely with our partners at the Henrico County Police Division and ask anyone in the community who may know something to please come forward.”
"There could be somebody out there who has some information on this and may be a little apprehensive, but once you throw in that monetary incentive that can push those people to the forefront,” Rose said.
Police also encourage commercial businesses, especially in this industry, to consider purchasing surveillance cameras.
“It’s the best information we have as far as suspects at this point,” Rose said.
A spokesperson for New American Arms said they hope the people responsible will be caught and justice will be served.
Anyone with information is asked to call the ATF at (888-283-8477) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov. Tips can also be made to Henrico police at 804-501-5000.
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