Tulsa firearms dealer burglarized-weapons likely on the street

Twenty-six handguns and a rifle were likely on the streets of Tulsa following the Sept. 4 burglary at Tulsa Firearms at 59th and South Garnett. But it's not the first time the store has been hit. And the way it happened both times has some residents concerned about the store's security.

The ATF announced this week the offering of a $5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of those guns. A feild agent with whom we spoke said two of the weapons have been recovered. The agent preferred to remain anonymous.

He said investigators on the case are near certain the guns had already made their way onto the streets of the city and were likely selling at about one quarter of the retail value, making them affordable to whoever doesn't mind holding a hot peice.

The agent said the burglars went for some of the more expensive weapons in the store. He said gun theives typically unload their cache' as quick as possible.

KRMG reported a burglary on Oct. 26, 2009 at the same location where several guns were taken. The ATF agent confirmed both burglaries were similar in that the burglars got in through the top of the store. The first time was by stacking pallets, the second time through a ventilation system.

TPD Detective Don Wright said the burglars appeared to have the same MO.

"It was a small opening, but large enough for them to get down through the ceiling," he said about the more recent break-in.

We visited Tulsa Firearms Tuesday and attempted to talk with the owner. He had a store clerk tell us he would not comment at the request of the ATF, who are still investigating the matter.

People on the street told us they believe there are some definite security concerns at the store, where a high number of guns are sold and traded.

"It sounds like they need to take some security precautions and analyze the situation a little more thoroughly," one man told us. "It's definitely not good for society right now."

"It adds to the dangers that are out there," said another man, "but what do you do with life? You move on. You don't want fear to grip you."

ATF agents are asking for more tips so more of the stolen guns may be recovered.