INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD and ATF are trying to get stolen assault rifles off the street after a west Indianapolis gun shop was burglarized. It was one of two that were hit in just two days.
Three teens have been arrested, and police are trying to figure out if they're responsible for breaking into both shops.
According to a public police report from IMPD, around 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, detectives were called to 500 Guns on a report of the burglary, located in the 3600 block of West 16th Street, near Tibbs Avenue on Indy's near west side.
The thieves got away with nine AR-15 rifles, according to authorities.
Earlier that morning, there was an attempted burglary at Indy Arms. Police were called to Indy Arms again Monday, March 11 for another attempted burglary. This time, police were able to track down the suspects.
According to IMPD Lt. Shane Foley, the teens were riding in a stolen Kia and led police on a chase before getting out of the car and trying to run.
"Officers were able to make an apprehension and make an arrest on three individuals, thanks to the works of officers, K-9s, drones and surveillance," Foley said.
Now, investigators are working to track those guns down before they end up in the wrong hands.
"It ends up in the hands of people who aren't old enough to have it, like what we believe happened in this case or in the hands of people who have done things bad in the past and are prohibited," said John Nokes, assistant special agent in charge with the ATF.
Anyone with information that would help lead law enforcement to the stolen weapons should call 1-800-ATF-TIPS.