FRANKLIN, TN — Another gun store in Middle Tennessee has fallen victim to a smash-and-grab burglary, marking a disturbing pattern of firearm thefts across the region. This time, Outpost Armory on Lakeview Drive in Franklin was the target.
Just after 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Franklin Police say two masked burglars broke into the shop and stole two firearms. Surveillance footage shows the suspects quickly exiting the store and fleeing the scene with a third individual, believed to be the getaway driver. Authorities say the trio escaped in a red Hyundai Sonata or Elantra.
This burglary is just the latest in a growing series of gun store break-ins across Middle Tennessee.
In June 2024, a smash-and-grab at Bullseye Pawn and Gun in Murfreesboro shocked the community. In that incident, thieves used a stolen vehicle to crash into the shop near South Church Street, making off with stolen firearms.
Only a month later, Echo Three Armory in Chapel Hill suffered a similar attack. Thieves again used a stolen car to ram through the storefront, despite the owner’s security upgrades. That marked the fourth gun store burglary within a 40-day window. The targeted shop sold firearms, ammo, and gun repair supplies — making it a high-value target for organized theft.
Last year in Smyrna, Southern Bunker reported a devastating loss of more than $50,000 in inventory after burglars drove a vehicle through their shop wall and display windows. In Gallatin, two teenagers rammed a stolen Hyundai Elantra through Sumner Gun & Supply, making off with a semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun.
Authorities now believe these break-ins may be linked. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has opened an investigation into the rising string of gun store burglaries reported over the past 12 months.
As for the most recent burglary in Franklin, police are urging the public to help identify the suspects.
Anyone with information about the individuals involved or their vehicle is encouraged to contact the Franklin Police Department at (615) 794-2513 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Williamson County at (615) 794-4000. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.
Video surveillance from inside Outpost Armory is available for viewing [here]. Authorities hope that someone may recognize the suspects or their vehicle.
