ATF Offers $5,000 Reward In Gun Shop Burglary

45 Firearms Stolen from Pops Guns

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Pops Guns, 30 S. Post Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday.

ATF and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the theft of 45 firearms.  Investigators have developed information regarding this burglary.  However, additional information provided from the public may assist in solving the case.

"Having investigated similar cases in the past, we know stolen firearms are used in furtherance of drug- and gang-related activities and are utilized by violent criminals to perpetrate additional crimes," said Robin Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Columbus Field Division.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Rick Hite added, "Law enforcement is seeking assistance from the public in locating these weapons and identifying those responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to call the ATF crime gun hotline 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or "Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana" and the telephone number is 317-262-TIPS. The ATF hotline is toll free and callers may remain anonymous.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in violent crimes involving firearms and regulates the firearms industry. More information on ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contacts: Senior Special Agent David Coulson
Public Information Officer, ATF
(219) 746-9776
www.atf.gov

Linda Jackson
Public Information Officer, IMPD
(317) 327-3751

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives