A large arsenal of firearms stolen from a New Mexico gun shop was taken by a pair of bold young burglars, one of whom is only 12, police say.
The break-in happened at about 4 a.m. Sunday, June 23, at Miller Guns and Ammo in Las Cruces, the police department said in a June 24 news release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms joined Las Cruces police in the investigation.
According to investigators, two boys, ages 12 and 15, pulled up outside the gun shop in a Kia Forte, which police later discovered had been stolen from a nearby home.
After forcing their way inside the store, they escaped with 30 rifles and pistols, plus ammunition and accessories, police said. All told, more than $30,000 in weaponry was taken, police said.
Hours later, investigators found the accused thieves while responding to a “report of a subject with a gun,” according to police.
“Upon arrival, officers located two juveniles — a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy — and recovered two of the firearms that were reported stolen from the gun shop,” the release said.
The 15-year-old’s home was searched and 14 more stolen guns were found, police said .
“Investigators have since located additional handguns and rifles that were reported stolen,” police said.
“Both juveniles have been charged with aggravated burglary, breaking and entering, and larceny of more than $20,000,” police said, adding that the older boy is facing an additional charge of possession of a stolen vehicle.
Officials are not publicly identifying either of the boys due to their ages.
“Police and ATF are continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with information on this case, or information on the whereabouts of any of the outstanding firearms and accessories, is asked to immediately call police at (575) 526-0795.”
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