High-powered rifle, ammunition stolen from Malad store; sheriff seeks public’s help
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MALAD — The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and store staff are asking for the public’s help identifying a person who broke into Ward’s ACE & Country Store early Monday morning and stole a high-powered rifle and ammunition.
According to store general manager Enoch Ward, the burglary occurred at approximately 4:13 a.m. The individual broke through a glass door to enter the store before stealing an AK-47-style 7.62×39 rifle, model MB47, along with ammunition.
Ward said the burglar appeared familiar with the store and knew where to go once inside. Store security cameras captured video of the suspect that Ward hopes will help identify him. Oneida County Sheriff’s Office officials believe he was wearing a Jackson Hole T-shirt at the time.
“We don’t know if there is a threat to the public. We have someone out there with a high-powered rifle and ammunition and a telescopic scope; we don’t know what his intent is,” Ward said. “Someone knows something and will recognize something about him. The way he walks, the way he moves … something.”
Investigators have fingerprints and blood samples from the scene. Ward said the burglar was not wearing gloves and appeared to have been bleeding, possibly after breaking the glass or attempting to get into another display case.
“He tried to steal handguns too but was unable to get into the case, so this could’ve been much worse,” Ward said.
Ward said surveillance video also shows the burglar getting into a vehicle that may have headed south on Interstate 15, although the quality of the footage makes it difficult to identify the vehicle.
“We can’t tell what kind of a vehicle it was,” Ward said. “If he crossed state lines, this makes the crime even greater.”
In addition to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office investigation, Ward said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Boise is investigating the theft.
Anyone who recognizes the individual or clothing, or has any other information that could help investigators, is asked to contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 766-2251.
Ward said the store will remain open for business and updates, as the law allows, will be posted on Ward’s ACE & Country Store Facebook page.
“We appreciate the public’s help in solving this crime,” Ward said.
EastIdahoNews.com has reached out to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office for additional information, but has not yet received a response.