Guns stolen, reward offered

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on May 22, 2015

Police and the business community in Collingdale are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in an early morning smash and grab theft at a gun shop on May 21, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's office.

At least two men are being sought in connection with the theft of more than a dozen handguns from the Suburban Armory sporting goods store on MacDade Boulevard.

According to witnesses, one thin male was seen emerging from the store at about 4:13 a.m. The man entered a dark colored SUV, which then fled toward Darby Borough.

One of the vehicles seen in the vicinity was a maroon Pontic with a license plate having YZ as the first two letters.

The initial press release said a large 8-foot by 4-foot window was smashed, which enabled the perpetrators to enter the store and smash two gun cases. Storeowner Joseph Galiano said he thinks 15 to 20 handguns — revolvers and semi-automatic pistols — were taken. Collingdale police are saying the count is 19.

Rifles were also pulled from a display, but they had been chained together.

Two vehicles were seen in the area. Police are interested in what was later identified as a maroon Pontiac Montana with a license plate having YZ as the first two letters.

Security cameras from nearby McDowell Auto show also showed a gray or light colored four-door General Motors vehicle leaving from the front of the store. Two men were seen running back to the store, then back out. They could also be seen placing the large window on the side of the business before running across the street.

Collingdale police were initially dispatched after a report of shots fired.

Members of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division are assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collingdale Police at 610-586-0502, ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS or the Delaware County CID at 610-891-4700.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.