Police Raid Illegal Gun Shop, Nab Owner

PORT HURON (WWJ/AP) - Port Huron police say a yearlong federal and local investigation of illegal firearms sales has led to a raid on an unlicensed gun shop and the arrest of its owner.

Police raided Goldie's Loan and Sales on Tuesday and seized an assault rifle, seven other long guns, three handguns, gold, silver, cash and illegal drugs. Police say the shop's owner, 60-year-old Dennis McAtamney, is charged with selling firearms without a license.

Police say they began the probe in April 2012 after Goldie's Loan and Sales refused to follow state reporting requirements for sellers of used goods and precious metals.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives eventually joined the investigation, sending in undercover agents who made repeated purchases at the store. In total, 15 firearms were purchased during the investigation.

"[McAtamney] was selling firearms to the public without any background check, no identification, nothing whatsoever. He didn't care; you had the cash, he sold it," Port Huron Public Safety Director Michael Reaves told The Times Herald.

Reaves said McAtamney even propositioned one informant for marijuana. "He was not only willing to take cash, but also narcotics," Reaves said.

Police say McAtamney hasn't been licensed to sell firearms since 2006.

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