$1,000 reward offered for tips on illegal firearms in Toledo

7/31/2008

In an effort to reduce gun violence in Toledo, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced yesterday that rewards of up to $1,000 are being offered for information leading to the arrest or indictment of anyone who illegally possesses or sells firearms.

The program is similar to the Crime Stopper program, which the Toledo Police Department has been using for about 30 years as an anonymous crime tip line.

In fact, the phone number for people to call in tips is the number used by Crime Stopper, 419-255-1111.

The program is a joint effort between Toledo police and the ATF s Toledo division aimed at getting illegal guns off the streets.

We re all sick of the senseless gun violence, said ATF Special Agent Kyle Walton, referring to three recent homicides in Toledo that occurred within a week of one another. A good call could save a life or stop a crime.

Toledo police Sgt. Steve Forrester, of the Lucas County cold case squad, said people can call with tips 24 hours a day.