PETERSBURG, Va. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the theft of a police rifle stolen from the trunk of a Petersburg Police vehicle.
The theft occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 20.
Police say the suspect broke into a Petersburg Police vehicle that was located in the Walnut Hill neighborhood.
The department-issued rifle is described as a black AR-style rifle with a red-dot sight mounted on the top and pistol grip attached. A photo provided by the ATF shows a similar firearm.
The ATF Washington Field Division is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest or for any information that leads to the recovery of the firearm.
“Possessing a stolen firearm is a federal crime and ATF and our partners at the Petersburg Bureau of Police are asking the public for their help,” said Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division. "Firearms obtained through illegal means are a threat to the safety of our communities. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist investigators with recovering this firearm and finding who did this.”
ATF Special Agents from the Richmond Field Office are working with the Petersburg Bureau of Police on the investigation.
To provide tips to ATF, call 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov. To provide tips to the Petersburg Bureau of Police, call 804-732-4222.
