CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Police are now seeking three female suspects in connection with a robbery at Southern Police Equipment Supply.
The women were seen on surveillance footage at a nearby convenience store, according to Liz Caroon with the Chesterfield Police Department.
"After leaving the convenience store, the female suspects entered a blue sedan, drove to Southern Police Equipment and picked up the two male suspects," Caroon said.
A number of handguns and rifles were stolen from Southern Police Equipment Supply early Friday morning, according to the store's owner. Karen Allan Ballengee said it appeared the thieves disabled power to her Midlothian Turnpike store, formerly known as Southern Gun World, and entered the business through the roof.
Once inside, she said, the thieves moved quickly and used a hammer to smash a handgun display case. The thieves also grabbed rifles on their way out of the store. She could not say yet just how many guns were missing.
Ballengee said she hoped store security video captured images of the theft and added she was confident police would find those responsible.
Southern Police Equipment Supply is located across the street from Virginia State Police headquarters.
The store carries "a large assortment of equipment and supplies for the Public safety professional or the general shooter: body armor, tactical equipment, chemical products, cleaning supplies, gun cases, range equipment, vehicle equipment, emergency equipment, law enforcement equipment, duty gear, knives and tools, used and new guns," according to the Southern Police Equipment Supply website.
Police said the ATF is offering a $2,500 reward, which is being matched by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Crime Solvers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. That brings the total to $6,000.
Anyone with information can call Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
