CHARLOTTE – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) here announced Tuesday that two suspects have been arrested and formally charged in federal court in connection with the burglary of Tamz Guns & Ammo in Ahoskie and Mackey’s Landing Firearms in Jamesville.  Both busiensses are federal firearm licensees (FFL).

Pursuant to criminal investigations, Grant Rasheed Harrell and Lydell Shavon Newsome, both of Ahoskie, were arrested and formally charged on May 8. Additional suspects are at large and arrests are anticipated.

This story was first reported in Saturday’s edition of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes said his office had worked this case after the April 15 report of a break-in and theft had occurred at Tamz Guns & Ammo, located at 343 N.C., Highway 42, Ahoskie. The suspects forcibly entered the building shortly before 4 a.m. that day and reportedly stole 30 firearms before fleeing the scene.

A little over one week later, Hayes said he received information concerning the break-in and weapons theft from Mackey’s Gun Shop in the Martin County town of Jamesville.

“The investigation by the authorities there showed that case was tied to our case at Tamz Gun Shop,” Hayes noted.

That crime occurred on April 25 where individuals forcibly entered Mackey’s Landing Firearms, located at 30757 U.S. Hwy 64, Jamesville. The suspects stole as many as 75 firearms from that gun shop.

Anyone found in possession of a stolen firearm may face state or federal prosecution, and is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

These crimes are still being investigated by ATF, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville Police Department and the Elizabeth City Police Department.   

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867), email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.