No Weapons Stolen in Gun Shop Break-in: Owner

MANHATTAN, IL — If the man who decided to break in to a Manhattan gun shop Monday thought he'd get out of there with a shiny new toy, he picked the wrong store to target.

Gibbs Custom Gunsmithing owner Jeffrey Gibbs ran an inventory just hours after the break-in, and found every gun in its place—exactly as he planned should a situation like this arise.

"I have completed an inventory of the store, and no guns were taken during this morning's break-in," wrote Gibbs on the store's Facebook page. "All the guns are safely locked in the gun safe."

The burglar alarm was activated when a window on the store, located at 155 W. North St., was broken just after 6 a.m. Police from several departments converged on the area around the shop just after 6 a.m. The suspect jumped out a window and fled, but was later taken down by Will County sheriff's deputies. Charges had not yet been filed by early Monday afternoon.

The break-in triggered concern among the residents near the gun shop, many who seemed unaware of its existence.

"The BIG question is why is there a gun shop a block away from a grammar school?" wrote one resident on a community Facebook page. "Guns near schools.... Guns near taverns? Manhattan kids are way too precious! Thank God our police officers acted quickly and with professionalism."

But Gibbs keeps all guns tucked away in a safe—something the suspect must not have been expecting.

"We designed the shop to keep the guns safe and secure in case a situation like this occurred," Gibbs wrote. "The alarm system and the safes worked exactly as they were supposed to."

Gibbs prides himself to be a lifelong craftsman and sportsman, certified by the American Gunsmithing Institute in Pistolsmithing, .22 Rimfire Rifles, Rifles, and Basic Gunsmithing. He began his career in 1985 at The Gunnery in Justice, later moving to Targetmasters in Orland Park, according to his website. A Manhattan resident since 2004, Gibbs opened the shop in December 2015. He notes a desire to "serve his friends and neighbors responsibly."

"Our deepest thanks also to the police for their professionalism, lightning fast response, and for concluding this situation without bodily harm."