Primary suspect identified in theft of 98 guns from Kitsap County gun store

Detectives with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office identified a primary suspect in the April 29 theft of a gun store.
Ninety-eight guns were stolen from Boerner Firearms and the store was damaged significantly, deputies said.

On Tuesday, a warrant was issued in Superior Court for the arrest of 17-year-old Chrissayn Jay Louis Borwieck on charges of first-degree burglary and numerous counts of theft of a firearms.

“No good can come from a 17-year-old having 100 guns,” said community member Tina Esler. “There’s going to be so many more unneeded deaths and injuries and robberies.”

Cameras captured three thieves breaking down a barricade that blocked the front door. They can also be seen running into the shop with buckets.

Officers said they sold the stolen guns through social media.

“He’s not selling them to law-abiding citizens, so most people he’s selling them to probably have a record of some sort. That’s why they buy them from him instead of us,” said Will Dalphonso, Boerner Firearms sales representative.

Responsible gun owners fear the stolen weapons are ending up in dangerous hands.

"That's what most criminals look for, something they can just use and throw away," said gun owner John Chapman.
Since the burglary, workers have restocked the guns and installed new glass cases.

Many worry the thieves will keep committing crimes until they’re arrested and placed behind bars.

“They keep getting away with everything. If you keep getting away with it over and over again, they’re just going to keep doing it,” said Vern Laprath, Boerner Firearms sales representative.

Once the suspects are caught, firearm shop workers hope the punishment fits the crime committed.

“I don’t know what the sentence should be because I’m not the judge, but it shouldn’t be a slap on the wrist,” said Dalphonso.

Detectives said they also located a stolen 2012 Chevrolet Silverado in Tacoma that is believed to have been used in the burglary.

“Finding and recovering these stolen guns remains our primary focus,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Jon VanGesen. “The safety of the public, our law enforcement colleagues, and the peaceful arrests of those involved are of paramount importance.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound are working together to offer a reward up to $11,000 for information leading to an arrest.

“We are very concerned that there are some 70 stolen firearms from this burglary that remain outstanding and are on the streets. These are guns which potentially may be used in other violent crimes,” added Lt. VanGesen.

Borwieck is described by deputies as about 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Deputies said Borwieck is considered armed and dangerous and is known to frequent Tacoma and areas of South King County.

A warrant was issued for Borwieck May 21 for burglary first degree and numerous counts of theft of a firearm.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.

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