Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PHILADELPHIA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for the firearms industry -- have announced a joint reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the theft of 18 firearms from the Sportsman Shop, located at 124 Main Street, East Earl, Pennsylvania. ATF is offering a reward in the amount of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

On June 19, 2018, at approximately 3:10 a.m., a burglary occurred at the gun store where 18 handguns were stolen. “ATF is soliciting the public’s help to come forward with any information that will help investigators identify and arrest the gun thieves,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson. “Stolen guns are quickly peddled through underground sales, or traded for drugs, and ultimately end up at crime scenes, to include being used in acts of violence.”

This joint investigation is being conducted by ATF and the East Earl Township Police Department. Anyone having information about the theft should call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or email: ATFTips@atf.gov (link sends e-mail). Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, or by visiting www.reportit.com, using the Philadelphia Field Division as the location.

###