ATF: Person in custody could be connected to burglaries during which 60 guns were stolen

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told Channel 9 on Friday that a person in custody on drug charges in an unrelated case could be connected with one of four burglaries of gun and pawn shops during which 60 guns were stolen.

Investigators said a second person is being interviewed about the burglaries. Agents said they found four of the stolen guns after receiving a tip.

The agency said thieves have burglarized four businesses since July 7 -- Oak Ridge Gun Range and Godfather Pawn in Orange County, The Amories in Seminole County and Lord of War Firearms in Oviedo.

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Investigators said 30 guns were stolen from Oak Ridge Gun Range.

The owner said the burglars used a torch to cut through hurricane shutters in order to enter the business. He said most of the stolen guns were rifles.

Investigators said several people wearing masks and baggy clothing were seen on surveillance footage. They said the thieves fled in a blue car and a silver truck.

Justin Eplin, owner of Lord of War Firearms, told Channel 9 that his store was burglarized July 7.

"They stole eight firearms off the wall, a bunch of high-end optics and also had taken some of the custom parts that we had in here, as well," he said.

Eplin said the thieves escaped with about $40,000 worth of guns.

The ATF said two of the burglaries could be related to one another.

A $15,000 reward has been offered for information about the burglaries.

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