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Two Columbus men have been arrested after authorities say they burglarized the Fin Feather Fur Outfitters store east of Ashland, stealing dozens of firearms before being captured following a traffic stop on Interstate 71.
According to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office dispatch report, deputies were called to the sporting goods retailer at 652 U.S. Route 250 East at approximately 1:39 a.m. Monday after an alarm company reported a verified intrusion at the business. The alarm indicated activity near the store’s east entrance, upstairs windows and the east archery department.
Deputies and officers from the Ashland Police Division responded to the scene and discovered broken glass, confirming the break-in. Information about a vehicle believed to be connected to the burglary was quickly shared with surrounding law enforcement agencies.
At approximately 2:19 a.m., the Ohio State Highway Patrol located and stopped a suspect vehicle on Interstate 71 near Lewis Center Road. Troopers initially took one suspect into custody and recovered a backpack containing suspected stolen merchandise. A second suspect was arrested minutes later.
Investigators say troopers first recovered 14 firearms that still had Fin Feather Fur inventory tags attached. As the investigation continued, authorities searched the surrounding area for additional weapons that may have been discarded during the pursuit.
By approximately 4:30 a.m., law enforcement officers had recovered 27 firearms and one Taser, all believed to have been stolen from the store. The recovered weapons were temporarily secured at an Ohio State Highway Patrol post before being returned to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
The dispatch report identifies the suspects as 25-year-old Martell Lamont Dawson and 18-year-old Andez Tyrese Henry, both of Columbus. Authorities also reported that two Hyundai Elantras were connected to the investigation. One vehicle was believed to have been stolen and hotwired, while another was heavily damaged after reportedly missing the entrance to the Fin Feather Fur parking lot and crashing.
Deputies remained at the scene for several hours, using a drone to help clear the large retail building while investigators collected evidence and arranged for damaged vehicles to be removed.
While the two suspects have been arrested, authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. Formal criminal charges were not listed in the dispatch report at the time it was released, and additional charges could be filed as investigators continue reviewing evidence.
