CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities in Cherokee County are searching for two men who were caught on surveillance cameras making off with dozens of firearms from a local gun store.
Police said the men made off with 24 weapons from Pannell's Firearms in Woodstock.
Officials are hoping someone will recognize the men from the surveillance tape. A $5,000 reward is being offered.
The burglary happened at the business located on Highway 5 near the Cherokee/Cobb County line just after 3 a.m. on April 27.
VIDEO: 24 Guns Stolen From Cherokee Store
Officials said the two men pried open the door of the store, ran inside, and smashed display cases. Twenty-four guns were stolen. Officials said one gun was found in a field across the street from the store, but the others are still missing.
"Our investigative experience has shown that more often than not when criminals break in to gun dealers they do so simply for the purpose of turning around and selling the guns for a quick profit. The problem is that law-abiding firearms enthusiasts are not the ones in the market for stolen guns. All to often it's juveniles, gang members, drug dealers, and previously convicted felons who are out there seeking to purchase these weapons," said Marc Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for the theft. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 770-928-0239. Callers can remain anonymous.
WSBTV
