Phoenix police announced they will return an FN Five‑seven handgun to Terry Thompson, a Mohave County resident who has been waiting since 2019 for the weapon stolen from his Fort Mohave home in 2018. The return matters to Phoenix residents because it highlights how local law‑enforcement handles evidence recovery and the importance of timely closure for victims of crime.

According to AZFamily, Thompson’s home was broken into in 2018, with burglars ransacking the property and taking $4,000‑$5,000 worth of belongings, including the newly purchased FN Five‑seven. Thompson posted video of the break‑in and later shared footage of himself using the gun for target practice, saying the theft “ruined my faith in a lot of stuff.”

In September 2019, Phoenix investigators contacted Thompson to report that the firearm had been recovered at the scene of an overdose death. Thompson was told the gun likely entered Phoenix through the drug trade and that the case would be closed within three to four months, at which point the weapon would be returned.

However, the timeline stretched far beyond the original estimate. Thompson says he has followed up with the department every few months, receiving varying explanations. The most recent detail he received was that the overdose victim’s roommate, a felon, possessed the gun illegally, complicating the investigation.

Police confirmed that the original investigator retired and that a new sergeant could not locate the gun when asked. Retired commander Jeffeory Hynes, who spent 32 years with the Phoenix Police Department, reviewed the case and said, “I am baffled. You’ve stumped me. Absolutely stumped me.” AZFamily noted that the department’s response two hours before the story’s deadline indicated the gun had been held as part of the roommate investigation.

Now, the department says it will return the firearm to Thompson. He described himself as “cautiously optimistic” after receiving the call confirming the gun’s imminent return. Thompson added that the prolonged wait has left him without closure.

While the delay raises questions about evidence handling, the decision to finally return the gun demonstrates the department’s willingness to resolve lingering cases and provide restitution to victims. Phoenix residents can take reassurance that law‑enforcement is addressing backlogged investigations, even when they span several years.

What’s next: Thompson expects to receive his FN Five‑seven within the next few weeks, according to the latest police communication. The Phoenix Police Department has not disclosed why the case required seven years to close, but officials indicated the gun was retained as part of a broader investigation involving a felon’s illegal possession. Residents awaiting updates on similar cases are encouraged to contact the department’s public affairs office for further information.

Sources: azfamily.com, azfamily.com