ATLANTA — The owner of Chuck's Firearms in Buckhead said that in 50 years, they've never once had a burglary. On Saturday, as looting and protests were taking place across the city, that all changed.
A $10,000 reward is being offered after 42 handguns were stolen at around 2:30 a.m. from the store off Miami Circle in Atlanta.
The vandalism and looting began after peaceful protests against the death of George Floyd ended late Friday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are each offering $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary and theft.
"We take this crime very seriously," said Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Arthur Peralta. “Firearms trafficking is a serious offense that results in significant federal prison time for the person or persons responsible."
The 42 stolen handguns pose a potential danger to citizens and communities, he said.
(Story continues below photo slideshow)
Photos: Chuck's Firearms in Buckhead burglarized
Jim Hinsdale, the owner of Chuck's Firearms said this was planned and they knew exactly what they wanted.
"They knew that the police weren't going to be coming," Hinsdale said. "They knew that they were busy and wouldn't be dispatched right away."
The store has been in business since 1971. They sell handguns, rifles, shotguns and assault style guns.
"The ATF is involved," Hinsdale said. "They're pretty serious about getting those guns."
Images captured from surveillance video show what appears to be seven suspects, some wearing different types of masks, two in full face coverings, another in a medical mask. An ATF spokeswoman said the car in the surveillance video is a light color four-door sedan.
This happened throughout the city, particularly at Buckhead jewlery stores, cell phone stores and high-end designer clothing stores, according to authorities.
Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-TIPS (800-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov, or through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app or by visiting www.reportit.com.
MORE HEADLINES: