(Image: U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan)
By Ed White
More than 100 handguns were stolen from a store in southwestern Michigan after the manager was held at gunpoint outside his home and forced to reveal how to turn off the alarm, authorities said Tuesday.
All guns except one were recovered and two men were arrested Friday, a day after the brazen heist at Dunham's Sports, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said.
“Just look at the firepower on this table,” Jim Deir, head of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Michigan, told reporters.
“There's over $100,000 worth of guns here. ... My experience: These were headed to the streets. These were headed for quick sale, quick money,” Deir said.
The two men, who are brothers, are accused of targeting a Dunham's near Benton Harbor, 100 miles (160.9 kilometers) east of Chicago.
A store manager told investigators he was confronted Thursday night, blindfolded and placed in the rear seat of a car, federal agent Mallorie Campbell said in a court filing.
“One of the subjects held a gun to his head and made him reveal the passcode to the alarm at the store,” Campbell wrote.
Store video shows a man later disabling the alarm system and filling two coolers with 123 handguns, Campbell said.
Investigators got the name of a suspect after he tried to transfer money from the manager's bank account with a cash app, the agent said.
The complaint charges men with four crimes, including gun theft. Campbell said they admitted their roles during interviews with investigators.
“It is no secret that we are experiencing an epidemic of gun violence across the nation, across the state of Michigan and right here in Benton Harbor, as well,” Totten said. “What happened at Dunham’s Sports is a striking example of what is driving this crisis.”
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.
