HEIGHTS – Dearborn Heights police and other law enforcement agencies have combined to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of the remaining people responsible for firearm thefts in Dearborn Heights and Westland.
Two people have been arrested and charged as of Sept. 16 with crimes related to the burglaries.
Dearborn Heights and Westland police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are asking the public’s help in identifying the remaining suspects and whereabouts of firearms stolen from CC Coins Jewelry and Loan in Dearborn Heights, and Freedom Holsters in Westland.
About 5 a.m. Sept. 11, and again about midnight Sept. 12, a group of people drove vehicles into the front entrance of CC Coins Jewelry and Loan and stole about 50 firearms.
“We are asking anyone with information about these individuals to contact us immediately,” said Paul Vanderplow, special agent in charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division. “These individuals and stolen firearms pose a threat to community safety as well as our law enforcement partners. Trafficked stolen firearms serve one purpose and that is to terrorize our communities.”
“We are leveraging all local, state, and federal partnerships and resources to bring the responsible individuals to justice and recover stolen weapons before another senseless tragedy occurs,” Dearborn Heights Police Chief Jerrod Hart said. “We sincerely appreciate the high volume and quality of information the public has shared thus far, but we must move beyond words and speak up if you know the identity of the remaining suspects and location of the firearms.”
ATF will offer up to $20,000 reward to anyone with information about these burglaries. Tipsters should contact Detroit ATF Field Division at 313-654-8021.
Information can also be provided by calling the Detroit ATF Field Division at 313-654-8021, emailing [email protected] or going to www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.
Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by going to www.reportit.com.
Information eligible for the reward must lead to the arrest and indictment of an individual. Provide as much information as you can relating to the identity and whereabouts of the suspects. Information can be submitted anonymously, but if a reward is sought, be sure to include contact information.