Up to $5,000 offered for information in Grove City burglary of firearms dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The ATF and a trade association for the firearms industry are offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the burglary of a firearms dealer in Grove City.

The reward for information, announced by the ATF and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is concerning a burglary at Gun Works around 1 a.m. on Oct. 15.

A release from the ATF said an unknown suspect broke the front glass of the business and stole "multiple" firearms before leaving the scene.

Anyone with information about this break-in should contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). People may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact the ATF through its website.

The burglary comes as federal and local authorities have announced they will seek federal charges in local cases involving illegal firearms where the penalties are more severe.

The move is meant to crack down on violent gun crimes in the Hilltop and Linden neighborhoods.

“We want this to be a warning,” said David DeVillers, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “We want this to be a shock-and-awe to the individuals that may be committing these offenses, and knowing this is going to happen to them.”

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said they would commit attorneys from their offices to work with federal prosecutors.