Caught On Tape: Suspects Use Big-Rig Cab To Smash Into Ventura Gun Store During Wild 48-Second Heist

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — Ventura police on Sunday were searching for  suspects in connection with a pre-dawn break-in at a gun store and a check-cashing business.

The Ventura Police Department said they received a call from an alarm company at about 4:00 a.m. that a break-in had occurred at Mega Mart check cashing at 1418 E. Main St. Officers arrived and found the business was burglarized.

About 15 minutes later, the police received word that an alarm went off at Red Seal Arms at 102 N. Ashwood St. Officers said the suspect or suspects used a vehicle to damage the business' front door and security gate.

Officers were working with the business owners on Sunday to determine what had been taken. Police said the two burglaries were committed by the same people.

CBS2's Greg Mills reported Sunday that police have determined the thieves used the cab from a big rig -- likely an 18-wheeler -- to bust into the gun shop.

Officials said it took them two tries to bust the steel front down.

In-store security cameras captured the 48-second smash and grab.

The store owner told Mills thieves made off with about 15 guns -- not the most expensive but commonly used pistols and rifles.

"It's amazing to me, looking at it right now, that these guys must've really wanted the guns," said Ventura resident Stan Weishaar.

In his haste to grab some of the weapons, officials said one of the thieves left some of his blood and DNA on one of the guns.

Also unbeknownst to the thieves, the gun shop owner said security cameras on the cleaners next door gave police a very good view of the cab used in the heist.

Police were not sure what the thieves took from the check-cashing business.

Anyone with information on the crimes was asked to call Ventura Police Detectives at (805) 339-4488.