Dec. 20--Two men -- one of them in a Santa hat -- broke into a Fife sporting goods store early Saturday and stole at least 44 guns in just minutes.
The guns are worth $21,000, police said.
The burglary occurred about 3:15 a.m. when the men broke out the window of a door at Sportco, 4602 20th St. E., and went inside.
A surveillance system showed them heading for the gun displays, where they broke into the cases and grabbed 44 guns, including two rifles, Fife police Lt. Tom Thompson said Monday.
The men then left the store. They were inside for just more than three minutes, Thompson said.
A Fife police officer was at the store 30 seconds after being dispatched but missed the burglars.
Investigators do not believe the burglars grabbed any ammunition, Thompson said.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting Fife police in the investigation.
Thompson said that one burglar wore a Santa hat, and the other wore a mask. There were no detailed descriptions of either person.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to someone being arrested and charged in the burglary. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Reach Crime Stoppers at 253-591-5959.
Copyright 2011 - The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.
