Gun found at pawnshop provided break in I-10 shootings case

[SecularMotion]

PHOENIX — A landscaper arrested in a series of Phoenix freeway shootings told a judge Saturday that authorities have “the wrong guy” as investigators stood by their detective work that traced the gun to the suspect after he took it to a pawn shop.

Leslie Allen Merritt Jr. was charged with counts including aggravated assault, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, carrying out a drive-by shooting and intentional acts of terrorism.

In a brief court appearance, a prosecutor said the 21-year-old should face a high bail after drivers spent the last three weeks on edge.

“The suspect presents a dramatic and profound threat to the community,” said Ed Leiter of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/gun-found-at-pawnshop-provided-break-in-i--shootings/article_b6b808c7-2731-5d8a-adae-45309d5813db.html

[shenmue]

1. I'll bet they didn't get the wrong guy

[GGJohn]

2. Any comment on this story SecMo?

Oh, wait.........................

[Duckhunter935]

3. looks like good police work

and using existing laws.

So what are your thoughts on today's Google cut and paste that took so much time, effort and thought?

[sarisataka]

4. The investigators are lucky

That the gun wasn't turned in at a 'no questions asked' buy back

[Duckhunter935]

6. True

[Straw Man]

7. Yes.

The investigators are lucky

That the gun wasn't turned in at a 'no questions asked' buy back

Or deposited in one of those proposed "drop boxes," to be burned to create "electricity."

[Duckhunter935]

8. Those electricity boxes

Powered by burning guns are an amazing invention. I read on the internet one gun can power A gazillion homes.

[Eleanors38]

10. No, it was a Brazillion.

[Duckhunter935]

11. I stand corrected

[ileus]

5. Good police work....gotta love our LEOs.

[petronius]

9. Interesting that he claims the gun was at the pawn shop before the shootings;

one would think there would be a receipt or some documentation. Wonder if they're taking a look at the pawnshop employees as well, or if they're absolutely certain it only went to the shop after the crimes.

It's also interesting that they focused on pawn shops at all - what made them think the shooter (or one of them) would dispose of the firearm? Is that a common investigative slant?