LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new initiative is designed to help Louisville police solve crimes and keep illegal guns off the streets.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisville Metro Police and Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers are partnering on a new public safety initiative that could award thousands of dollars for tips. People will receive up to a $3,000 reward for information leading to arrests and seizures of stolen firearms. 

Donna Munoz and her family suffered a tragic loss to gun violence several years ago.

"We got a life sentence, and it's a pain that's never going to go away," Munoz said. 

In 2019, her 25-year-old brother in-law Jose Munoz was shot and killed after a confrontation inside an Olive Garden restaurant. Since then, Donna has been on a mission to help end gun violence.

"It's very hurtful still to watch other families suffering the same things that we've gone through," Munoz said.

She said her family didn't get the justice they were looking for but hopes the new initiative will help prevent other families from suffering the same loss.

"We're very appreciative of being able to partner with ATF and Louisville Metro Police on this important initiative," said Dave Yates, coordinator of Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers.

Police want the initiative to reduce gun violence across the region.

"Gun crime in our community is obviously an epidemic that we have to deal with," LMPD chief Paul Humphrey said. "We want to make sure that we interrupt that crime cycle."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow said said there have been anywhere between 11 to 1,300 firearms reported stolen annually. 

Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers said the organization is offering $1,000 for information leading to an arrest of a suspect in possession of stolen firearms. ATF pledged to match the reward. If information leads to an arrest that yields more than one stolen gun, an additional $500 per gun will be paid with a maximum possible payout of $3,000.

"It's hitting very close to home," Munoz said. "And every time I just think about that family and I remember the impact it had on us and the pain we felt we got the call."

Tips can be anonymously submitted by calling the Crime Stoppers tip line at 502-582-2583.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted by clicking here. 

If a tip qualifies for a reward, Crime Stoppers will provide instructions on how to collect payment.

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