Prohibited Possessor Arrested After Stolen Firearm Brought into Gun Shop

On the afternoon of September 25, 2025, Mesa Police made a significant arrest following a tip from local firearms store employees. The incident began when three individuals walked into Guns 2 Ammo, located at 6030 E. Main Street, requesting a repair. During the request, one of them produced a handgun, which staff ran through their internal verification system. The firearm — a Sig Sauer P365 — came back as stolen.

When officers arrived, they detained 36-year-old William Lawlor and his two companions. Video surveillance from the store showed Lawlor handing the firearm to staff. A closer inspection confirmed the serial number matched the stolen-gun report.

During subsequent interviews, Lawlor admitted he had agreed to bring the gun in for a battery replacement, stating it was given to him earlier that day by someone who goes by the street name “Jolly.” He refused, however, to offer up a real name or further details. Lawlor acknowledged that because of prior felony convictions, he was a prohibited possessor and understood that he was legally barred from having a firearm.

While being taken into custody, officers located drug paraphernalia that Lawlor admitted was for fentanyl use earlier in the day. Lawlor complained of chest pain and was evaluated by Mesa Fire/EMS before being cleared and transported to jail.

Lawlor was arrested and booked on the following charges:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Possessor (Class 4 Felony)
• Theft / Control of Stolen Property (Class 6 Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor – cited and released)

The companions were interviewed and subsequently released without charges.

This case underscores how cooperation between law enforcement and local firearms retailers can help prevent stolen weapons from being used in the community. Guns 2 Ammo staff’s vigilance and timely decision to contact police played a pivotal role in the safe recovery of the stolen firearm.

Mesa Police Arrest Armed Prohibited Possessor After Dangerous Domestic Incident

On September 24, 2025, just before midnight, Mesa Police officers responded to a report of a family fight near Sirrine Avenue and Southern Avenue. The 911 caller reported that her stepfather, 45-year-old Jesse Almeida, was intoxicated, armed with a handgun, and had threatened her mother.

When officers arrived, they saw a white truck matching the description given by the caller. Officers attempted to contact Almeida outside the residence. Instead of complying, Almeida became aggressive, removed his shirt, shouted profanities, and advanced toward officers while ignoring repeated commands.

Due to reports that Almeida was armed, officers deployed less-lethal options, including a Taser and beanbag rounds, until they were able to safely take him into custody. A loaded handgun was recovered from Almeida’s back pocket at the time of his arrest.

Further investigation revealed that Almeida, a convicted felon and prohibited possessor, had also fired multiple rounds from both a handgun and a rifle during the incident. Several family members and witnesses confirmed hearing and seeing gunfire, both in the front yard of the residence and as Almeida drove away in his truck. Detectives recovered spent shell casings, ammunition, and multiple firearms from the home and vehicle.

Almeida later admitted to detectives that he fired rounds from a rifle into the ground near the residence and discharged additional rounds from his vehicle while driving away. He also admitted to being in possession of both the rifle and handgun, despite his felony convictions prohibiting him from having firearms.

Almeida was arrested and booked on multiple felony charges, including:

• Misconduct Involving Weapons – Prohibited Possessor (2 counts)
• Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm within City Limits (2 counts)
• Disorderly Conduct – Recklessly Discharging a Firearm

This was a dangerous situation for everyone involved—family members, neighbors, and responding officers. Thanks to quick teamwork, officers were able to take Almeida into custody without deadly force and remove multiple firearms from his possession.

Mesa Police remain committed to addressing gun violence, especially when prohibited possessors put families and the community at risk.

Residential Burglary Suspects Arrested, Stolen Firearm and Property Recovered

On August 17, 2025, Mesa Police officers responded to a report of a residential burglary at an apartment near Recker Road and Brown Road. The victim, who had been away from the residence for several weeks, returned to find his home ransacked and numerous items missing. Property stolen included several televisions, gaming consoles, personal belongings, and a Marlin .45-70 lever action rifle with accessories.

Mesa Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and collected evidence, including fingerprints. Forensic analysis later identified a match belonging to 36-year-old Manal Martinez Aljoborri, who resided in the same complex. Investigators also identified her boyfriend, 45-year-old Joseph Chase, as a possible suspect. Both are convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms. Aljoborri also had active Mesa warrants at the time.

Working with Maricopa County Adult Probation, detectives arranged a meeting with Aljoborri on September 25, 2025. She was taken into custody without incident. A probation search of her residence led to the recovery of multiple items stolen from the victim’s home, including televisions, gaming consoles, personal memorabilia, and the stolen Marlin rifle. Chase was also located at the residence and detained.

During interviews, both suspects admitted to entering the victim’s residence and taking property. Chase confirmed his involvement in stealing the firearm, while Aljoborri acknowledged taking additional items, including sports memorabilia with the victim’s name. Both suspects admitted to knowing they were prohibited from possessing firearms due to their felony convictions.

Both Aljoborri and Chase were arrested and booked into the Mesa City Detention Facility. They face charges including:

• Burglary in the Second Degree (ARS 13-1507A)
• Theft/Control of Stolen Property (ARS 13-1802A1)
• Prohibited Possessor of a Firearm (ARS 13-3102A4)

The stolen property was returned to the victim.

This case is an example of the persistence and teamwork between patrol officers, detectives, forensic specialists, and probation officers. Their thorough follow-up not only held the suspects accountable but also ensured the victim’s property was returned — including the recovery of a stolen firearm that could have posed a serious risk to the community.