LONGS, SC (WBTW) – Horry County police say close to 200 guns were stolen from a Longs store this weekend during Hurricane Matthew.
Police were called to Five Star Gun on East Highway 9 at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday in response to a burglary.
Reports say an individual who used to work at the store was driving around the area and stopped because he saw a tree down in front of the business. After inspecting the damage, they realized that the glass on the front door was broken and the metal doors were partially open.
The person was unable to get cell service to call the owner, so he went home to get a weapon and guard the store until he was able to reach the owner and call 911.
The owner told police that the incident probably happened after 4 p.m. on Saturday when the store lost power and the cameras were off. The owner says the alarm has a backup battery, but doesn’t stay on long without power.
The police report says a preliminary estimates showed over 150 handguns and 35 AR rifles were missing from the business. Days after the report was filed, the store owner says over 200 weapons were taken.
Store owner Dan Huneycutt made a statement about the burglary on the Five Star Gun Facebook page:
“Some of you may of heard, but We were broken into during the Hurricane Saturday Night. While the power was down, “They” broke into our shop, destroyed the showroom and stole over 200 Handguns, AR’s, AK’s, Rifles, and Shotguns. Obviously we have reported this to the Authorities (HCPD & ATF), whom are actively working the case. All firearms have been entered as stolen, please contact the HCPD if you have information. We are still cleaning up and restocking, but feel free to stop by and see us. We appreciate your business and friendship”
The owner says they have a record of every firearm that came through the store. All information about stolen guns were provided to law enforcement and entered into NCIC.
