Armed thieves have stolen 275lb (125kg) of gold bars from a truck on its way from Florida to Massachusetts. The gunmen are still at large, with the transportation company offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to their arrest.
The armored truck with gold bars packed in barrels was traveling
from Miami to Attleboro, Massachusetts, also known as ‘Jewelry
City’ because of the large number of manufacturers there, when it
was robbed on a rural stretch of Interstate 95 in North Carolina
late on Sunday.
A manhunt for the gunmen has since been underway, led by Wilson
County Sheriff’s Office and joined by the FBI.
"We have been notified and are coordinating with our law
enforcement partners to determine whether a federal crime has
been committed," said Shelley Lynch, public affairs
specialist of the FBI Charlotte Division, as cited by the Wilson
Times.
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The two guards employed with Transvalue Inc., who were
transporting the gold, told investigators there had been a
mechanical problem with the truck, causing them pull the vehicle
to the side of the road.
Shortly after that, a white van with three armed men stopped
near. The gunmen tied the guards’ hands behind their backs and
marched them into the nearby woods.
The thieves eventually got away with an estimated $4.8 million in
gold bars. However, they reportedly didn’t steal everything from
the truck. It’s not yet clear how much was left.
"At this time we are working with the authorities to try and resolve this matter," said Transvalue CEO Jay Rodriguez, as cited by AP. "We are offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of these criminals."
Transvalue, which specializes in transporting cash, precious metals, gems and jewelry in armored trucks, says its shipments are insured for up to $100 million.