ATF ANNOUNCES $10,000 REWARD IN TORRANCE FIREARMS BURGLARY INVESTIGATION

TORRANCE, Calif. — Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Bogdalek, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division, and the Torrance Police Department, (TPD), today announced that a $5,000 reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Turner’s Outdoorsman is also matching ATF’s reward with an additional $5,000 for a total of $10,000 for information. The burglary occurred Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), (licensed gun dealer), located at 18305 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance. Torrance Detectives are reviewing surveillance videos and evidence at the scene to identify possible suspects. At this time it appears the suspect(s) stole several handguns and rifles from the store.

“Due to an increase in firearm burglaries in recent weeks, we are asking federal firearms licensee’s to re-examine their security options for safeguarding their stores,” said Bogdalek. “We are also asking for the public assistance by offering this reward for information on the person(s) involved in these thefts.”

“Torrance Detectives and ATF Agents are using all their available resources to investigate this case and locate all persons involved in this burglary.” said Sgt Robert Watt, TPD. ATF is the federal agency responsible for investigating all thefts of firearms from FFLs. ATF is using its expertise in tracking and tracing stolen firearms to pursue those responsible for this theft. ATF and the Corona Police Department have tracked several leads and are asking for the public’s help in providing additional details regarding the theft. Anyone with information on the crime should contact ATF’s toll-free, 24-hour tip line at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). Callers can remain anonymous.