Federal authorities are investigating after dozens of firearms and an unknown amount of ammunition were stolen from a truck while the driver slept outside of a Mississippi sporting good store last night.
67 guns stolen from delivery truck parked outside Academy Sports in Olive Branch. Police need help nabbing thief! @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/YzIlT4Ow6k
— Shay Arthur (@ShayA_WREG3) May 8, 2017
Police say that a truck driver arrived at Academy Sports in Olive Branch, Mississippi around 10 p.m. last night and parked in the lot overnight to sleep. This morning around 6 a.m. as the truck was being unloaded, store employees noticed that the seal on the trailer had been cut.
Investigators say that at least 67 guns were stolen in addition to an unknown amount of ammunition. Seven of the stolen guns were rifles and the other 61 firearms were handguns.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has joined in the investigation. According to Special Agent Kevin Moran, “In general it’s always a concern when any number of firearms are taken from legal commerce and diverted to criminal activity, but even one gun is one too many. Of course this is a priority for the ATF to be involved in, and we hope to recover every firearm and the information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved. It’s a huge priority.”
If you have any information on the theft, you’re asked to call the Olive Branch Police Department at 662-895-4111.
Olive Branch Police looking for evidence after 67 guns were stolen from a trailer behind Academy Sports as the truck driver was asleep #wmc5 pic.twitter.com/UJnlhxFHlv
— Jerry Askin WMC-TV (@JerryAskinWMC) May 8, 2017