MILTON, Del.- Delaware State Police troopers and those with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the burglary of a Milton gun shop on Thanksgiving Day.
According to Delaware State Police, around 7 a.m. on Thursday troopers responded to Hopkins Gun Shop located on Josephs Road in Milton. Police and special agents and investigators from ATF determined that a masked person broke into the business in the early morning hours and stole multiple handguns and rifles.
“We believe that these stolen firearms are destined to be used for criminal purposes. We are asking that
any member of the public who may know something about this individual, this crime, or the
whereabouts of these firearms comes forward,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada.
“It is ATF’s top priority to make sure our communities stay safe and that businesses can operate without
fear of incidents like this occurring. A person who uses criminal means to obtain a firearm is someone of
who needs to be brought to justice.”
While the ATF and DSP are continuing to investigate the crime, a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief.
The $10,000 reward is split between a $5,000 reward from ATF and a $5,000 match from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The reward is part of a national initiative between NSSF and ATF where NSSF matches ATF rewards in firearm thefts from federally licensed firearm retailers.
According to ATF, tips can be provided via telephone at 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or via email to ATFTips@atf.gov. Tips can also be sent anonymously via the reportit® app using ATF Baltimore Field Division as the location.
