The ATF has launched an investigation into the theft of over 400 firearms from a UPS facility in Tennessee and later recovered in a Chicago suburb. Despite strict gun laws the criminals still got a hold of them and brought them into Chicago. Both suspects have been apprehended.
Hundreds of guns that were stolen from a United Parcel Service facility in Tennessee were recovered Tuesday in the Chicago area, federal authorities said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said most of the roughly 400 guns taken from a UPS facility in Memphis were found in Midlothian, a Chicago suburb.
ATF had said the guns were taken Sunday by two men in a U-Haul truck. ATF spokesman Michael Knight said the truck was recovered along with the guns.
An 18-year-old man has been charged in the theft. Authorities are searching for the second suspect, in addition to anyone else who may have been involved, Knight said.
The estimate of 400 stolen firearms makes it one of the largest single gun thefts the ATF has investigated, Knight said. Agents are…
ATF PRESS RELEASE
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Memphis Police Department are offering a reward in the amount of up to $ 5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from the United Parcel Service (UPS) facility.
On September 30, 2018, the UPS facility, 1803 East Brooks Road, Memphis, was burglarized by two individuals driving an U-Haul vehicle. Approximately 400 firearms were reported stolen to the Memphis Police Department. ATF Industry Operations Investigators responded to the facility and are in the process of conducting an inventory to determine the exact number of firearms stolen. ATF Special Agent in Charge, Marcus Watson remarked, “ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence will leverage investigative resources combined with the community partnerships to solve this violent criminal act.”
Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at (800) ATF-Guns (1-800-283-4867) or the Memphis Police Department at (901) 528-2274. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF’s website at 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 visiting www.reportit.com.
ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.