Pawn shop burglary probed

PONDERAY — Federal and local authorities are investigating a pawn shop burglary in which guns, jewelry and other valuables were taken.

The break-in at Pawn Now was discovered on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 27, but could have taken place during the previous evening, said Ponderay Police Chief Mike Hutter.

Hutter would only say entry into the business at 1001 Fontaine Drive was accomplished by force.

More than 20 firearms — mostly handguns but a few shotguns and a hunting rifle — were taken. Jewelry, coins, discs for video game consoles and several computers were also stolen, according to Hutter.

“They were in there for a while, it appears,” Hutter said of the perpetrators.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms is also probing the burglary, which is routine because Pawn Now is federally licensed to sell guns.

Hutter said further details about the heist are not being released because the investigation is ongoing.