Gainesville Resident Arrested for Pawn Shop Theft
A 22-year-old woman was taken into custody following the theft of a prop handgun from a local pawn shop.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Property Crime
Gainesville police have arrested 22-year-old Myasia McQueen on charges of grand theft of a firearm. The arrest follows an incident where a movie prop handgun was removed from a local pawn shop.
Why it matters
The case highlights local law enforcement efforts to track and recover property stolen from retail establishments within the community. The investigation focused on the unauthorized removal of items from display cases at Gainesville businesses.
Myasia McQueen, 22, was arrested on September 26 for the grand theft of a Walther PPK handgun, which is a prop capable of firing 8mm blank ammunition valued at $150.
The players
Myasia McQueen
The 22-year-old Gainesville resident is the primary suspect arrested in connection with the theft of a prop handgun.
Gainesville Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the pawn shop theft and executing the arrest of the suspect.
The details
The suspect allegedly removed the handgun from a display case at a Gainesville pawn shop, hid the item, and exited the store. Police apprehended McQueen four days after the initial theft took place.
Timeline
The theft occurred at a local pawn shop on September 22, 2026.
Police arrested Myasia McQueen for the incident on September 26, 2026.
Legal Context
The arrest follows guidelines established by the Florida Grand Theft Firearm statute, mirroring how police departments typically categorize the theft of specific items to ensure appropriate felony charging. This case reflects broader efforts to apply strict state standards to the theft of any item legally classified as a firearm, regardless of whether it is a functional weapon or a movie prop.
Local business owners in the area may review their current security protocols for display cases following this incident. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity at retail locations to the local authorities to assist in maintaining community security.
The takeaway
Retailers continue to face risks regarding the security of items displayed in public-facing cases. Maintaining vigilance and updating physical security measures remain essential practices for protecting high-value or restricted inventory.
Further reading
For more information on local safety trends, visit Gainesville Property Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wcjb.
