Deputies hope surveillance video will help catch gun store burglar

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies are trying to track down eight stolen guns to get them off the streets before they’re used in any crime.

A burglar hit the Straight Arms gun store on Howell Branch Road early Thursday morning, deputies said.

Investigators said they are hoping surveillance pictures will lead them to a suspect.

Owner Ken Straight has a huge mess to clean up inside his store.

“They took a crow bar, wedged it in behind it, broke the padlocks off, broke the glass, reached inside and unlocked it,” he said.

Straight said the burglar walked in the store and busted the glass counters around 2:30 Thursday morning.

He got away with seven handguns and a rifle, before being scared off by the alarm system.

“He’s not that smart. We got him on security camera, not only here, but on the store down at the end, so it’s just a matter of time,” Straight said.

The Sheriff’s Office has tried to enhance the infrared images from inside the gun store.

Based on the photos, investigators believe he was wearing a mask.

Straight said he hopes the armed thief tried to sell the stolen guns, because he believes it’s the fastest way he’ll get caught.

“It’s a federal crime, I don’t think he realizes that,” he said. “If not, we’ll get him in a heartbeat.”

WFTV