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Thursday, April 26, 2018

Breaking Exclusive: Arrest made in Shongo General Store gun heist

State police have made an arrest in the March 21st burglary of the Shongo General store in which thirteen long guns and five handguns were stolen. State Police Investigator Jed Murphy said Michael R. Argento, 31, was taken into custody at his home at 67 Wayne Drive in Greece. Police charged him with 2nd degree burglary and additional charges are pending. Argento was arraigned and remanded to the Allegany County Jail on $100,000 cash bail. Murphy said Argento also has a seasonal home at the end of Woodcock Road in Willing. Troopers executed search warrants at both homes Wednesday. Investigator Murphy said some guns were recovered at the seasonal home and other evidence was seized at the home in Greece. Argento is described by police as the 'ringleader' and two other suspects are still being sought. Police continue to seek leads and tips from the public. Troopers have returned to the Greece area today to continue the investigation. Murphy described Argento as "uncooperative." Anyone who may have purchased a gun from Argento since March 21 is urged to contact Inv. Murphy at 585-268-7085. Assisting in the investigation - NYSP Intelligence Center, NYSP Crime Analysis Center, Wellsville police officers Jared Mattison and Lt. Josh Kear, ATF and Independence police chief PJ Sherman.
State police plan to issue a further statement later today... A previous story and photos are HERE.
UPDATE 12:23 p.m.
PRESS RELEASE  
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Amity are investigating a burglary at Shongo General Store, 2953 Hawks Road, Willing, NY. On March 21, 2018 from 2-5 A.M. the unidentified suspect(s) forcefully entered the store and took thirteen long guns and five handguns.
**On April 25, 2018, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested one of the suspects involved in the Shongo General Store burglary, Michael R Argento, 31 of Greece, NY for Burglary 2nd degree and additional charges are pending. This arrest was a result of  search warrant executions at two residences, Argento’s residence in Greece and a seasonal residence in Willing, NY. The two other suspects are still being sought at this time. Argento was arraigned and remanded to Allegany County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.

ATF, NSSF offer up to $5,000 for information about the burglary of Shongo General Store FFL
Buffalo, NY –The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have offered a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the burglary of firearms from federally licensed firearms dealer.

Further investigation of the area revealed photographs obtained at a gas station/store just over the border in Genesee, PA. The individuals shown are believed to be in connection with the recent burglary at the Shongo General Store. The two suspects are believed to be operating a white sedan possibly a Chevrolet as pictured.

If you have any information on the suspect(s) or this investigation contact the NYSP at 585-268-7085 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-GUNS (888-283-4867), email ATFTips@atf.gov.

New York State Police BCI are working with ATF, NSSF and the Pennsylvania State Police- SP Coudersport. This is still an ongoing criminal investigation.