August 11, 2004

OPEN LETTER TO ALL MICHIGAN FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES

ATF REQUESTS ASSISTANCE IN CURBING THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL CRIME GUNS AND REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME IN METRO DETROIT

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of ATF’s continued commitment and strong partnership with the Michigan firearms industry and to request your assistance in combating the illegal traffic and use of firearms.

As you are aware, there has been a disturbing increase in violent crime in the Detroit Metro area. On August 3, 2004, a murder/robbery took place at Alexander’s Sport Shop Inc., 27367 Michigan Ave. Inkster, Michigan 48141. Federal Firearms Licensee Clyde Alexander was murdered during the robbery. The firearms business was completely destroyed by fire. A $15,000 award has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

There is a list of possibly stolen firearms from Alexander’s attached to this letter. This list may not be complete because many of the business records were destroyed in the fire. If anyone contacts you to sell any of the guns on the attached list please contact us immediately.

There have also been at least three gun shop burglaries in the Port Huron, Michigan area within the last few months. We are investigating them in conjunction with state and local authorities.

In our continuing effort to combat crime and violence we will continue to work side by side with our Industry member partners.

Please contact us at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (24 hour hotline) or 313 259-8760 if you observe any suspicious activity. Together we can make a difference

Valerie J. Goddard
Special Agent in Charge
Detroit Field Division

Attachment:

• List of Possibly Stolen Firearms from Alexander’s Sport Shop, Inc.