A multiagency investigation has led to the arrest of suspects involved in the burglary of a local sporting goods store and the recovery of 25 stolen firearms including a legally owned fully automatic weapon.
Father and son Tommy and Tyler Immel are charged with breaking into Ted’s Marine and Sporting Goods on Hwy 1 North at Colt. The two reportedly admitted to entering the store on 3 separate occasions and taking weapons, cash, and other items last week. The burglary was not immediately detected due to the store being closed due to the retirement of the owner but was found and reported February 28th. The owner is still going through his records to determine all the personal guns that are missing.
“We want to thank all the agencies involved in this investigation for helping get the weapons and merchandise recovered,” commented Sheriff Bobby May. “Many of the weapons were the owner’s personal guns that had a tremendous amount of sentimental value.”
The agencies involved in the investigation include the St Francis County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas State Police, Wynne PD, Cross Co Sheriff’s Dept, Arkansas Game and Fish, and the First Judicial District Drug Task Force.
“We have recovered twenty-five weapons so far and anticipate the recovery of a few more over the next few days from some people who purchased the weapons not knowing they were stolen,” added Sheriff May.
In addition to the Immels who are incarcerated at the St Francis County Jail on Commercial Burglary and Felony Theft of Property, Cornelius Banks is in jail in Cross County on Theft by Receiving and Criminal Use of a Prohibited Weapon for being in possession of the fully automatic weapon in Cross County that was stolen from the business.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms have been contacted with federal prosecution being expected on this case.
The investigation is still ongoing.
