ATF: $10,000 Reward Offered In 2018 Wisconsin Pawn Shop Burglary

ASHLAND, Wis. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Ashland Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, announce a reward of up to $10,000 for information related to a pawn shop burglary in Ashland that occurred July 30, 2018.

In the early morning hours, a masked person broke through a window of Bay Area Pawn, opened the gun display case and loaded more than 30 firearms into a bag. A number of the stolen firearms were recovered late last year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“We’re looking for any details that members of the public can provide,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “It’s been nearly a year since the break-in and around a dozen firearms have been recovered so far. We need the public’s help in both the recovery of the remaining firearms as well as to identify the individual who is responsible for this crime.

“Stolen firearms are a big threat to communities because they often times fall into the hands of violent criminals who are prohibited from purchasing firearms legally,” he continued. “We’re continuing to run down leads, but are now looking to the community for any details that could aid this case.”

ATF is offering a reward in the amount of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000.  This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.  ATF works closely with members of the firearm industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

Those with information can call 1-888-ATF-GUNS (283-4867) or email ATFTips@atf.gov. Information can also be sent anonymously to ATF via the mobile Reportit app, which is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.  When reporting, be sure to include as many details as possible and contact information if a reward is sought.

ATF is a bureau within the Department of Justice whose mission is to prevent, interrupt and remove violent gun crime from American communities. The Saint Paul Field Division works with local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety organizations to combat violent gun crime in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and the Dakotas.