Dozens of guns stolen from South Anchorage shop in vehicle smash-and-grab

More than two dozen guns were stolen from a South Anchorage firearms dealer early Thursday after thieves drove a stolen vehicle through the shop’s front doors, federal authorities said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Friday that four suspects with their faces covered rammed through the front entrance of Granny’s Guns on Dowling Road around 3:59 a.m.

The thieves took at least 26 rifles and handguns, loading them into a separate vehicle before driving away. The vehicle they used to ram the store’s front doors was left at the scene, and the other was found later Thursday.

By Friday morning, the store had managed to construct a makeshift, Plexiglas facade with an “open” sign hanging from the door. The owner of the store, Barry Barr, declined to comment, saying he had been advised by the ATF not to speak with reporters.

The ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information about the suspects or information that would lead investigators to the stolen firearms. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has offered to match that amount, for a total possible reward of $10,000.

One of the suspects was described as wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt with a white cloth over nose and mouth. Another had dark pants, a dark long-sleeve shirt, a black vest and hoodie, and red shoes.

The third had gray pants, a white undershirt and a blue hoodie with the words “Bartlett 17” on the back. The fourth suspect was a passenger in one of the vehicles.

In September 2017, thieves stole 36 guns from a Midtown a gun and knife shop. The two men convicted in the crime are each serving a 10-year prison sentence. One of the stolen guns was later used in a murder.

The ATF asked that anyone with information call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.