Firearms Industry Matches ATF Reward in Woodstock Firearms Theft

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for the firearms industry -- has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for the recent theft of 24 firearms from Pannell's Firearms, located at 10102 Main Street in Woodstock, Ga. The case is being jointly investigated by ATF special agents and Cherokee Sheriff's Office (CSO) investigators. The NSSF reward offer matches a $5,000 reward offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Steve Sanetti, president of the NSSF, said, "Our matching reward offer will hopefully help assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving this crime against a federally licensed firearms dealer and lead to the swift recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market where they can be misused to commit violent crimes."

The matching reward payment by NSSF will be granted only following payment of the initial ATF reward, which is up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects and providing information on the location of any of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-928-0239. Callers can remain anonymous.

For any questions about the theft of these firearms, please contact ATF at the numbers listed above.

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Reward Offered for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division today (May 6) announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at Pannell's Firearms, located at 10102 Main Street in Woodstock, Ga. The case is being jointly investigated by ATF special agents and Cherokee Sheriff's Office (CSO) investigators.

The early morning burglary occurred at Pannell's Firearms and Range, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), on Tuesday, April 27. Store security video shows two subjects approaching the business at 3:15 a.m. Once inside, they are seen smashing glass countertops and placing firearms into bags before fleeing the area. In approximately one minute, the suspects were able to steal a total of 24 firearms.

"Investigating firearms thefts from federally licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF," said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant. "We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering these stolen guns. Solving this crime will be a team effort among ATF, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office and concerned members of the public."

Sheriff Roger Garrison said, "We are pleased that ATF has offered a reward to assist in this investigation. I strongly encourage anyone with any information related to this incident or the suspects involved to come forward."

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects and providing information on the location of any of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-928-0239. Callers can remain anonymous.

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Governor Perdue Asks President Bush for Major Disaster Declaration

Today Governor Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Cherokee County with emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“This is the third tornado event this spring that has disrupted the lives of our citizens and devastated one of our communities,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I am hopeful that our federal partners will recognize the extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help the residents of Cherokee County recover in the aftermath of this severe weather.”

The disaster declaration is requested as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) continues to work with local officials to assess and recover from the damages caused by the storms. GEMA officials estimate initial governmental response and clean up efforts will exceed $2.9 million.

The request is for Public Assistance to pay for the cost of emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings. This request also includes Individual Assistance for affected households. Approximately 1,300 homes were impacted statewide. The residents of 1,000 of those homes will need help with repair or replacement costs.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 rated tornado struck Cherokee County with a path reported to be five miles long and three-fourths to one mile wide. The tornado was a part of a line of storms that marched south through much of north and central Georgia during the evening. At least thirty-five counties reported large hail and wind damage.

For additional information on storm damage and assistance, visit www.gema.ga.gov.