Police probe shocking break-in at Bethel Park gun store
- A burglary at Allegheny Arms & Gun Works occurred early Monday morning, resulting in stolen firearms.
- Law enforcement detained two juveniles found with stolen guns and executed searches in local homes.
- The ATF and police continue their investigation as 43 firearms are still unaccounted for.
In the early hours of Monday, January 13, 2025, a burglary occurred at the Allegheny Arms & Gun Works store in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The event unfolded before 4:30 a.m., when four individuals, reportedly dressed in black and driving a stolen vehicle, forcibly entered the gun store. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire as the burglars shot their way into the establishment. Once inside, they employed hatchets to smash open display cases and manage to steal multiple firearms. The incident raised concerns about gun safety and theft in the community. Law enforcement was on site shortly after the break-in, where they found a window that appeared to have been shot out along with crime scene markers. The store has yet to disclose the total number of firearms stolen, though reports indicate that 14 guns have already been recovered while 43 remain missing. In connection with the investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) detained two juvenile males believed to be linked to the burglary. The suspects were found in possession of several stolen firearms shortly thereafter, having been spotted by a bus driver who alerted authorities. Following the identification of these juveniles, police and ATF agents executed searches at two homes in the nearby areas of McKees Rocks and Sheraden on the evening of January 13. ATF spokespersons stated that they were actively pursuing leads in relation to the burglary. The agency clarified that no charges would be filed against the juveniles by the ATF, and the case would instead be addressed by local law enforcement. The swift actions taken by police and ATF agents underscore the urgency surrounding this investigation, given the potential dangers posed by the stolen firearms circulating in the community. These events highlight not only the local issue of gun store burglaries but also raise broader discussions about gun security, juvenile involvement in crime, and the pressing need for effective law enforcement coordination in addressing such serious offenses.