Rifles Stolen From Gun Shop, Shots Fired At Worker

ST. LOUIS, MO — Police are investigating a break-in at a Crestwood gun shop. Thieves took several rifles from Southern Armory around 2:30 a.m. Monday. A worker at Harbor Freight Tools, a nearby discount equipment retailer, spotted the suspects and was in the process of calling police when the robbers opened fire, shattering the windows of his store but missing the worker.

The suspects then sped off in a waiting car, police said.

Police have not made any arrests and have not released details about any suspects. The break-in was the third such burglary this month. On Target Shooting Range and Gun Store in Valley Park and Triple Threat Armory in Affton were both burglarized on the same night earlier in November. A few days earlier, authorities believe the same thieves stole several guns from Razorback Armory in Des Peres. It's unclear whether the latest break-in is tied to the earlier ones.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the burglaries last week. That money will be matched by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, bringing the total reward to $10,000.

Anyone with information is urged to contact St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers toll free at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477) or the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (283-4867). All callers can remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted through the CrimeStoppers website or free app, or by emailing ATFtips@atf.gov.