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.
