Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ATF ANNOUNCES $10,000 REWARD IN FIREARMS
BURGLARY INVESTIGATION

          WESTMINSTER, Calif. — Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Westminster Police Department today announced that a $10,000 reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the burglary of a federal firearms licensee (FFL).

          The burglary occurred Jan. 1, at Big 5 Sporting Goods Store, an FFL or licensed gun dealer, located at 14970 Golden West St., Westminster. The suspect(s) entered the store after cutting a hole in the roof and stole 27 rifles and shotguns, ammunition, knives, replica air soft guns and night vision goggles.

          Westminster Police detectives spent several hours collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. “Our detective bureau is actively and aggressively pursuing all leads in this case, as public safety is our number one priority,” said Westminster Police Department Spokesman Cameron Knauerhaze.

          ATF is the federal agency responsible for investigating all thefts of firearms from FFLs. ATF is using its expertise in tracking and tracing stolen firearms to pursue those responsible for this theft. ATF and Westminster Police Department have tracked several leads and are asking for the public’s help in providing additional details regarding the theft.

          “The burglary and theft of firearms from an FFL is a very serious crime and a top investigative priority for ATF,” said Torres. “We are asking for the public’s help in our effort to apprehend and convict those responsible for this robbery.”

          Anyone with information on the crime should contact ATF’s toll-free, 24-hour tip line at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867) or the Westminster Police Department at (714) 898-3315 ext. 529. Callers can remain anonymous.

          More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.