A total of $14,000 is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Dec. 14 robbery from a Goshen sporting goods store.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Columbus Field Division, the Goshen Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation — the trade association for the firearms industry — have established the reward money to solve the robbery of firearms from MC Sports, a federal firearms licensee. ATF is offering a reward in the amount of $7,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of $14,000.

“The theft of firearms from licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF,” said Michael Boxler, special agent in charge of the ATF Columbus Field Division. “This is a crime that impacts public safety and something that ATF takes very seriously. We need to identify the individuals that committed this robbery and hold them accountable for their actions,” emphasized Boxler. “We also know that tips from the public have resulted in the recovery of stolen firearms.”

The reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

ATF and the Goshen Police Department are investigating the theft of firearms during an armed robbery of the sporting goods store. The robbery occurred during the evening hours on Dec. 14 at 4024 Elkhart Rd. in Goshen. Among the items stolen were firearms and rounds of ammunition.

ATF and the Goshen Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals responsible. Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867); the Goshen Police Department at 574-533-8661; or the Michiana Crime Stoppers 800-342-STOP. This is a joint investigation with the ATF and the Goshen Police Department.