Suspect sought in theft of guns

Local gun store reports 55 weapons taken after break-in

This screen grab, taken from security surveillance video, shows a suspect in the theft of 55 guns from a local gun store on Highway 80 East. - photo by Special

W theft — This screen grab, taken from security surveillance video, shows a suspect in the theft of 55 guns from a local gun store on Highway 80 East. - photo by Special

More than $25,000 worth of weapons was stolen from a local store sometime Wednesday night or Thursday morning, according to a press release from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office.

The BCSO said that deputies responded to Backwoods Armory on Highway 80 East at 10 a.m. Thursday where they met with the owner, who said a suspect had forced entry through a window at the store. After an inventory check, the owner reported that 55 handguns and long guns were missing.

The sheriff’s office said no alarm had been received from the business, but a video surveillance camera caught an image of the suspect in the act of committing the theft.

Due the danger presented by the theft, the BCSO is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to solve the crime.

The sheriff’s office requests that anyone with information on the theft should contact BCSO Investigations at 912-764-1771 or submit an anonymous tip to tips@bullochsheriff.com. They can also contact the ATF Gun Hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).