Growing concern after 11 guns stolen from store

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Federal agents are now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to whomever stole 11 guns from a local gun shop.

This smash and grab comes after eight officers have been killed in the line of duty over the last two weeks.

And with threats against local officers now emerging, they said they just need to get these stolen guns off the streets.

“There’s no telling what the persons involved are up to,” said Sgt. Kendale Adams, of IMPD. “Somebody went into a store illegally and took guns. And that is a significant concern for law enforcement, it’s a significant concern for our community.”

IMPD, working with Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said 11 long guns were stolen from the Gander Mountain Store on East 86th Street.

“They’re all going to be long guns, high-dollar, expensive guns,” said Patrick Hand of ATF.

The break-in happened at 3 a.m. Tuesday. A few hours later police found a truck nearby with damage to the rear end. Police are searching for the suspects.

“Certainly, we are concerned with the national narrative that’s across the country in terms of officer deaths,” said Sgt. Adams.

Three officers were killed in Baton Rouge on Sunday, and five officers were gunned down in Dallas less than two weeks ago.

ATF officials said they’ve seen these types of thefts before.

“There have been other stores of this size across the country that have been hit recently,” said Hand. Those increased number of hits is all the more reason why they’re asking you for information.

“The reality is somebody does know something,” said Sgt. Adams.

The number to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana is 262-TIPS (8477) or you can contact ATF directly at 1-800-ATF-GUNS, if you have any information on this case.

All calls will be kept confidential.