Photo Credit: Lead Chunkers
ROCKWELL — Authorities are investigating a brazen overnight burglary after a stolen vehicle was used to crash through the front entrance of Lead Chunkers, a Rockwell gun store, early Wednesday morning.
According to the store’s owners, the break-in occurred around 3:30 a.m. when a group of four masked individuals drove a stolen car into the front doors of the business. Once inside, the suspects stole multiple firearms before fleeing the scene in a second vehicle.
Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the incident. The Rockwell Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Lead Chunkers’ owners expressed gratitude to the community and law enforcement agencies for their rapid response and ongoing support. “We especially want to thank the Rockwell Police Department for their efforts, as well as the SBI and ATF. We hope the suspects will soon be identified and apprehended,” they said in a public statement.
Despite the serious nature of the crime, the store took a lighthearted tone in addressing the incident, noting that the suspects must have been “so excited about the great door-busting deals” that they arrived well before opening hours.
If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Rockwell Police Department at (704) 279-3420. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Rowan County Crime Stoppers by visiting www.rowancrimestoppers.org or calling 1-866-639-JAIL (5245). Caller identity will remain confidential.