FREDS Guns in Sequim is boarded up and surrounded by concrete blocks Monday, a week after someone drove heavy equipment through the front and stole 20 to 30 handguns. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)

FREDS Guns in Sequim is boarded up and surrounded by concrete blocks Monday, a week after someone drove heavy equipment through the front and stole 20 to 30 handguns. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)

FREDS Guns owner offering $5,000 reward following handgun theft

Information leading to arrest is sought

SEQUIM — The owner of FREDS Guns is now offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information that leads to an “expedient” arrest after someone drove a telehandler front loader through the front of the store and stole 20 to 30 handguns.

Seth Larson said Monday he can’t discuss the details of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigation into the April 13 theft at his business, but said he is looking forward to when an arrest happens.

A spokesperson for the ATF said agents are not releasing more information at this time. The ATF has not publicly identified any suspects in the case.

Authorities have said surveillance video shows a single person using the loader to break through the gate at the front of the store, located at 261340 U.S. Highway 101, at 11:23 p.m. April 13.

Larson said he hopes to reopen his store next week.

Last week FREDS Guns installed concrete barriers around the building, an extra security effort Larson has said he never thought would be necessary in Sequim.

Anyone with information is urged to call the ATF firearms theft hotline at 1-888-930-9275 or email atftips@atf.gov.

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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.