The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) are offering rewards in a case of stolen firearms from two local businesses.
According to a news release from ATF, between the hours of 4:30-5:30 a.m. July 27, a suspect or suspects burglarized The Gun Works of Central New York FFL, located at 5378 State Rt. 31 in Verona, and stole 14 handguns.
The owner of the store, Rich Champion, told NEWSChannel 2 earlier this week that the suspect or suspects broke the store’s front window, which set off the alarms, then quickly ran in, smashed stuff, grabbed the items and took off. He said the cost of the store damage and stolen items is about $15,000.
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One day prior, between 4:30-5:30 a.m. July 26, a suspect or suspects burglarized AX Tactical FFL, located at 4947 Commercial Drive in Yorkville, and stole three long guns, according to ATF.
ATF and NSSF are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the burglaries from each firearms dealer, for a total of $10,000.
The Whitestown Police Department, New York State Police and the ATF Syracuse Field Office are jointly investigating the incidents.
Anybody with information about either burglary or the stolen firearms is asked to contact ATF at 1-888-283-4867, state police at 315-366-6000, email ATFTips@atg.gov, or send a tip here. Tips can also be sent to ATF through the Reportit app.