Gun store closes after faced with federal charges

MCKEESPORT, Pa — A gun store known for offering discounts during violent sprees near McKeesport is now closed.

Pittsburgh Tactical Firearms shut down last month, and as Channel 11’s Catherine Varnum uncovered, the owner, Erik Lowry, is now facing serious federal charges.

There are two sets of charges, one case against Lowry himself and the other against the business. The investigation spanned two years and started during a routine compliance check that raised issues.

Varnum called Lowry for comment and he hung up on her.

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Documents show Lowry had a military-style weapon that was illegal to own. Investigators also said he created a false story about how he got the weapon, then tried to get people to get rid of it for him by throwing it in a dumpster.

The charges against the business detail more than 100 firearms that were sold without any required paperwork.

People living in the area told Channel 11 if they paid cash, no documents were required.

Channel 11 legal analyst, Phil DiLucente, said there is a concern over the hands those guns could be in.

“Because he did not keep those records of over 100 guns, it is impossible to tell what mayhem it may have caused to this city or other cities,’ said DiLucente.

Lowry’s court date was set for May 30.

Cox Media Group