Fernandina Beach Police Department
Press Release
Submitted by James T. Hurley, Chief
December 23, 2014 4:38 a.m.
Police officers in Fernandina Beach are actively searching for anyone with information related to an early morning smash and grab burglary at a pawn shop on South 14th Street where three semi-automatic rifles were stolen.
The suspect(s) broke the glass out of the front door with a large piece of cement to make entry into Pye’s Pawn Shop, located in the 900 block of S. 14th Street. The burglar(s) entered the store and removed the three unsecured rifles from the back wall display. Although encouraged to secure firearms during and after business hours, the pawn shop was not required by law to secure the weapons.
The Police Department processed the scene and surrounding areas and believes that a single offender may have fled on foot westbound or northbound from the north side of the business.
The alarm company reportedly received an alarm indication at 6:01 AM from the business, could not locate an owner or call out, and notified the Police Department at 6:06 AM. Officers responded within two minutes to find the front door shattered. Other than the three rifles, nothing else was apparently taken.
A backpack was found at the scene, which might belong to the suspect(s), and is shown below. Also, stock photos of the rifles are included [above].
Wow, hope that are recovered soon so that they aren’t used in another criminal act. Can’t believe they were kept in a gun safe when the business was closed.
Dave, my thoughts exactly!! Semi-automatic rifles left out in the store after-hours? That’s crazy
I live very close to Pye’s Pawn Shop and am incensed that the owner’s irresponsibility has allowed assault weapons to be in the hands of felons in our community.