POWHATAN, Va. — Authorities credit a tipster in the recent arrest of two suspects who have been charged with the theft of 30 handguns from American Family Pawn shop on Anderson Highway in Powhatan.
Kevin Penrose alerted authorities to the crime at his pawn shop on May 18. Thieves forced their way in through a side window. Surveillance video showed that the thieves, wearing masks and gloves, moved quickly to break glass cases. They were only inside for about 45 seconds. The only items missing were handguns, according to Penrose.
The reward for information leading to an arrest was set at $6,000.
“These guns will end up in the hands of violent criminals,” said Scott Fulkerson, the ATF Resident Agent in Charge. “It’s the reason why we are looking for the public assistance. We don’t want them to end up in your community.”
Within a day Powhatan County Crime Solvers received a tip about the suspects. The tipster said that earlier Jonathon Bruce Thorne attempted to sell them a semi-automatic handgun. Thorne allegedly told the tipster that Jerrell Markes Broadie helped with the burglary and they were trying to sell the guns.
Shortely thereafter, according to police documents, Broadie was seen driving a 2005 Black Acura with a Virginia license plate. The tipster gave agents contact numbers for both men, which checked out. On Wednesday the Acura was spotted at the Quality Inn at 12711 Old Stage Road in Chester.
Investigators also watched as a man matching Thorne’s description removed a bag from the trunk and went back inside the hotel room. Law enforcement then obtained two search warrants, for the car and the hotel room.
Four people were detained and a search executed later that day, on May 20. Two handguns were seized; one described as a Kahr 9mm semi-automatic pistol, model PM9093 and
Two handguns were seized; one described as a Kahr 9mm semi-automatic pistol, model PM9093 and a SCCY 9mm semi-automatic pistol, model CPXITT. Two price tags belonging to two of the guns stolen in the burglary were also found.
Other evidence relevant to the investigation was seized from the hotel room.
A number of guns remain unaccounted for at this time.
Three males can be seen in the surveillance video. Only two arrests have been made at this time.
Developing.
The ATF and Powhatan deputies are working together on this case. If you recognize the suspects in the video, call 1-888-ATF-TIPS.
