The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been busy recently investigating one of the largest incidents of gun theft it has ever worked. Reportedly, 367 guns were taken from a Tennessee UPS facility on a Sunday. The guns had been shipped from their manufacturing center and were at a UPS distribution facility in Memphis when, according to the authorities, the theft occurred. The stolen firearms were .22 caliber and .380 caliber Ruger guns.
According to reports, two men used a U-Haul truck to steal the firearms and transport them north out of Tennessee. News of the theft spread quickly, and only 12 hours and approximately 500 miles away a very observant police officer is said to have made a very important discovery. While questioning two men, he noticed a Ruger logo on a box in the back of their van. When asked to step out of the van the two fled, but within four hours one of the men was arrested. Police are still searching for the second man.
Most, but not all, of the missing firearms were recovered. One of the men, an 18-year-old, admitted that they sold three of the guns. He supposedly told police that the second man, a 24-year-old, has been involved in gun theft before -- previously with shipments on trains.
Although the man in custody has apparently admitted to selling the stolen firearms, he maintains his innocence in their theft. Possession of stolen property is not proof of one actually stole it; therefore, at this time the man has been charged in federal court with possession of three stolen firearms. The second man has been charged with illegal possession of three firearms by a convicted felon. The accused men, like others who find themselves in similar circumstances, will each need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help manage the client's case and defend against any formal charges.
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