Crime, Law and Justice

Federal investigators offer $10,000 reward in firearm burglary

Two images from security footage cameras.
Security camera images show a person who broke into Russell’s Sport N’Bike in Star Prairie, Wis. Investigators are offering a $10,000 reward for information in a burglary of nearly 50 firearms in western Wisconsin.
Courtesy of St. Croix County Sheriff's Office

Investigators are offering a $10,000 reward for information in a burglary of nearly 50 firearms in western Wisconsin.

According to the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, a person broke into Russell’s Sport N’Bike in Star Prairie, Wis. early in the morning on Feb. 12. Investigators believe the person came in through a window and stole weapons and ammunition.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is now offering the reward in exchange for any information that leads to the successful prosecution of the burglar or to the recovery of the guns.

ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said the agency occasionally offers rewards in an attempt to speed up investigations.

“When firearms are stolen, they more often than not find their way into the hands of people who are prohibited from possessing firearms,” Sherrill said.

The agency says anyone with information should email or call the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, which is continuing its investigation of the incident with the ATF.