HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Police have found three guns as they continue searching for suspects after a car crashed into a gun shop in Holland.
Friday afternoon, Holland Department of Public Safety said three stolen firearms have been found.
Authorities were called shortly before 4 a.m. Thursday for a report of a break-in at the Bullet Hole Firearms and Training located near the intersection of Chicago Drive and Waverly Road. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a silver Ford SUV had crashed into the building.
Investigators determined the vehicle was used to ram into the building and allow the suspects to get inside the store. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Grand Rapids.
Surveillance video shows four people entered the store wearing masks and all appear to be men. They were able to get away with an undisclosed number of firearms.
Thursday afternoon, detectives said a second vehicle that was used to leave the scene was found in Kentwood. This vehicle was also reported stolen. Authorities in Holland are working with police in Kentwood and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The sales manager at Bullet Hole Firearms told News 8 that this is the third time someone tried to break into the store. He said this time they did successfully get inside and steal some pistols.
Authorities say they are worried about an increase in thefts of weapons and the connected car thefts. There have been 63 vehicles stolen out of Kent County alone so far this year. Investigators say juveniles are often responsible.
“A lot of these crimes that are occurring are just because of opportunity,” Kent County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joy Matthews said. “There happens to be an individual who’s walking by, sees a vehicle that’s unattended and in a matter of seconds jumps in the car and takes off.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact HDPS at 616.355.1150 or policetips@cityofholland.com. Tips can also be sent to Silent Observer by calling 1.877.887.4536, texting OCMTIP to 274637 or online.