ATF issues alert, offers reward after break-in at Creston pawn shop

Agents from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects in a break in at Quick Pawn during the early hours of Jan. 4 at Quik Pawn, 101 W. Taylor St.

ATF agents responded to the reports of a break in at Quik Pawn, a federal firearms licensee in Creston, on Jan. 4. With the help of Creston Police, agents determined that an unknown suspect gained entry into the building by ramming a vehicle into the north side of the building, stealing several firearms.

The 2001 Chevy Suburban used to break into Quik Pawn was stolen around 3:25 a.m. Jan. 4 from Courtney Abel. The vehicle was found wrecked and abandoned in Adair County Monday evening.

John Ham, senior investigator with ATF, said firearm dealers were immediately notified via an automated system, which is done to remind shop owners that physical security of firearms and ammunition is important and to make them more cautious of stolen guns that may be brought to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or by texting ATFKC to 63975. Tipsters can choose to remain anonymous.