In a statement to WBTV, authorities have shared that two youths, ages 12 and 15, confessed to partaking in a burglary at The Range at Lake Norman in Cornelius, with the incident occurring early Monday morning; their identities are withheld due to their minor status, while the hunt for a possible third accomplice remains underway.
The break-in, reported at around 3 a.m., resulted in the theft of at least 15 firearms, raising concerns echoed by Chief Deputy Jennifer Thompson who highlighted the ramifications stating, "One stolen gun is alarming," and adding, "when you’re talking more than a dozen...where are those guns going to end up?" as WBTV reported. Subsequently, detectives, tipped off by their counterparts in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, located the missing white Nissan Rogue associated with the case sans a license plate, and during the follow-up investigation, they unearthed the two involved minors.
According to Cornelius Today, the juveniles were apprehended and a recovery effort was put in place for the stolen guns; however, information regarding the current location of the firearms remains undisclosed.
WSOCTV has mentioned that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms - alongside local authorities - is involved in this investigation, indicating the serious nature of the gun heist, and as the case advances, Cornelius police urge anyone with further insights to contact them at 704-892-1363, in an effort to reclaim the stolen property and assure community safety.
