(Courtesy photo)

A large number of firearms were stolen from a Kilgore gun shop early Wednesday morning, prompting an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Roman Roberson, assistant chief with the Kilgore Police Department, said the burglary happened about 4 a.m. at Smitty’s Guns and Ammo on South Henderson Boulevard.

He estimated 20 to 30 firearms were stolen, but said they won’t be sure of the exact number until the investigation is further along.

Roberson said the burglars used a stolen pickup to tear away the door to the shop before taking handguns and rifles from inside.

The pickup used in the burglary was recovered by police on Preston Road in Rusk County, according to a news release from the Kilgore Police Department.

Roberson believes the guns were stolen for money and if they were stolen by someone in the area, they will be sold or traded locally.

“Luckily for us, those guns, because they’re from the gun store, have a recorded serial number, so I am confident that we will be able to track those guns down and recover them,” Roberson said.

Police asked anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Tim Dukes at 903-218-6404 or Rusk County Crime Stoppers at 903-655-TIPS.

Twitter: @ByJamesHartley