Around 12:30 p.m. on December 7, 2024, Buckeye police responded to a call of theft from a local firearms store on Watson Rd south of I-10. The caller reported that a customer grabbed a semi-automatic pistol from a counter and took off without paying for it. Officers were able to gather information and develop an investigative lead.

Using resources from the Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC), investigators found a vehicle associated with the investigative lead had been previously captured on a traffic camera near the firearms store and later that afternoon captured on another traffic camera heading into the Tartesso neighborhood.

Officers responded to the Tartesso area, located the vehicle, and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. The stolen gun was recovered and the suspect arrested. Thanks to efficient investigative work with support from the RTIC, this incident was resolved safely within a matter of hours and a stolen gun was immediately taken off the streets.