Multiple guns stolen from Monroe shop during burglary
MONROE, Wash. - Multiple guns were stolen from a Monroe shop during a burglary Wednesday morning, according to police.
At about 5 a.m., officers responded to a report of multiple cars that were seen fleeing Armageddon Arms gun shop in the 100 block of South Lewis Street.
When officers arrived they found the front of the store severely damaged.
Police said items were stolen, including various guns, but it's unknown how many were taken.
According to Armageddon Arms website, they sell a range of weapons from handguns to semi-auto rifles.
"Those firearms are generally going to remain in the area. So, Monroe, Snohomish County area, Snohomish, maybe into Everett, those firearms are still there on the streets. And we already know the people who did this have a propensity toward violence," said Jason Chudy, with the Seattle division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
He said the bureau is assisting the Monroe Police Department with the investigation.
"I would not be surprised if they are going to show up in crime scenes elsewhere. So, it’s something that every person in Snohomish County, King County, even down Pierce County, up to Skagit County that should be concerned about," said Chudy.
Data FOX 13 News obtained reveals a 14% increase in gun thefts last year in Washington.
The numbers show 97 guns were reported stolen in 2022, in comparison to the previous year with 85 guns reported stolen.
"Even if there is one gun store burglary in our area, that is still one too many. If one firearm is out there in the hands of criminals, it is still a danger to our communities," he said.
Monroe Police say they are working on releasing surveillance video from the incident.
Investigators have not released any suspect information and no one is in custody.
Chudy said anyone with information can contact 1-888-ATF-TIPS, or reach out to the Monroe Police tip line at (360) 863-4600.
The investigation remains ongoing.