Last Saturday morning, a brazen theft at Westlake Classic Firearms resulted in a total of 12 firearms—10 handguns and two rifles—lifted from the premises. As reported by Cleveland19, the suspect used a hammer to shatter a window of the store located on the 26300 block of Center Ridge Road.
The break-in occurred at around 12:09 a.m. on September 13, with the perpetrator making quick work of the display cases before absconding with the weapons. In response, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with the Westlake Police Department, is on the hunt for the individual responsible. A reward of $5,000 is on the table for any information that might lead to an arrest. Westlake Police Department Detective Bureau can be reached at 440-892-3152, and Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463, as FOX8 News broadcasts the urgent call for tips.
The ATF is currently lacking photographic evidence of the theft, which considerably hampers their ability to track down the suspect. They're relying on the local community and any potential witnesses to come forward. Tips can also be anonymously submitted through the ATF's tip line at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or via email to [email protected], which may be critical in recapturing the stolen firearms and curtailing potential violence.
ATF's Cleveland Field Office is spearheading the investigation with cooperation from local authorities. Individuals with relevant information are also encouraged to use the ReportIt app to discreetly relay what they may know. As noted by WKYC, the collaborative effort between agencies underscores an awareness of the potential threat that these weapons could pose should they fall into the wrong hands.
