December 19, 2006
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

DEPUTIES SEARCH FOR SNIPER RIFLE TAKEN IN HOME BURGLARY 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is trying to track down a military-style, high-powered sniper rifle that was stolen from a Deltona home during a break-in Monday afternoon. While other property and valuables were taken in the burglary, investigators are particularly concerned about the rifle, a Winchester 300 model Savage 110FP with a heavy-duty barrel and a high-powered scope. “In the wrong hands, this can be a very dangerous weapon,” said investigator Ryan Mills, the lead investigator in the burglary. “We’re anxious to locate the weapon and return it to its rightful owner.”   

   
              To view video click on box above 

The burglary was reported at about 2 p.m. Monday afternoon. The thieves targeted a home on Coltra Lane. No one was home at the time of the burglary, but a neighbor who was alerted because her dogs were barking looked outside in time to see what appeared to be four teenagers running from the victims’ home. The teens were carrying a plastic bag and a tan rifle case. When the owners returned home, they discovered that in addition to the rifle, money, jewelry and two game systems also were missing. Investigators believe a newer-model black import car with chrome wheels, a tinted window and a temporary tag may have been involved. 

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact investigator Mills at (386) 860-7030 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.