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Three Arrested in Virginia Gun Shop Smash-and-Grab Burglaries

Three already arrested in Virginia gun shop burglaries.

That was quick. Three men have already been arrested on suspicion of their participation in the smash-and-grab burglary of three Virginia gun shops.

Now the men could potentially be facing 10 years in prison if convicted of the crime. The alleged suspects were identified through a public tip to law enforcement.

We first reported on the burglary of 50 West Armory last week after burglars broke in and made off with 35 guns in just 45 seconds. Now, the Eastern District of Virginia's U.S. Attorney's Office has announced they have three suspects.

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Preston G. Holmes, Matthew D. Jones and Daniel L. Quarles made an initial appearance in federal court on Monday on charges of theft of firearms from a federally-licensed dealer and conspiracy.

The men are suspected of being involved in the thefts at 50 West Armory. But they are also suspected for two other similar Fredericksburg gun shop burglaries on March 14.

A very similar smash and grab crime also happened in a Rockville, Maryland gun shop almost two weeks ago. NBC News additionally reports investigators are looking into the possibility they may have been involved in that crime as well.

Unfortunately, only one of the stolen firearms has been recovered so far.

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