USS Arizona Gets Skipper, Teen Arrested for Saving Dog

Issue #005

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 01, 2023

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🕵️ Gilbert task force addresses sex trafficking and domestic violence

 😭Queen Creek boy dies after violent attack at party

🐕Teen arrested for saving dog from alleged Chandler animal abuser

 👮Gilbert PD investigates Higley High School staff member

 👮 Man accused of break-ins, rapes in Tempe indicted on 12 felony charges

👩‍⚖️ Arizona dentist with past crimes loses license after patient death

 🚢 Navy’s USS Arizona submarine gets skipper

🦸‍♀️ Mayor’s ejection of 2 from meeting upheld

 🥎 Search for solution to stadium looms over Diamondbacks amid miracle playoff run

⚾ Diamondbacks fall behind big, lose 11-7 in World Series Game 4, face 3-1 series deficit

⛹️‍♀️ Vote now for The Arizona Republic's high school athletes of the week, Oct. 30, 2023

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

November 1st

November 2nd

November 3rd

November 4th

November 5th

Gilbert task force addresses sex trafficking and domestic violence

Gilbert's Community Engagement Task Force presented recommendations to address various town challenges, focusing on sex trafficking and domestic violence in their recent discussion. They aim to enhance resources and education to raise awareness about these issues in the community. Chris Curley, a task force member and ex-law enforcement officer, emphasized stricter penalties for sex crimes and the significance of educational awareness in schools. Curley and Melanie Dykstra also highlighted the emerging crime of sextortion, which involves blackmailing youngsters using images they've shared online. For domestic violence, the plan involves supporting pertinent legislation, education, and awareness. Alex Rodriguez, a task force member and therapist, pointed out the COVID-induced increase in domestic violence cases due to lockdowns. The task force was established in February 2022 to engage the community on five major topics. They intend to address homelessness and low-income issues in their next meeting scheduled for January.

Queen Creek boy dies after violent attack at party

The Queen Creek Police Department is investigating an incident where a boy died after a party. On Saturday night, the police responded to a disturbance involving kids but found no illegal activities. Shortly after, they were informed of an assault nearby and discovered a critically injured teen. Although the police haven't officially identified the victim, a related GoFundMe campaign identified him as Preston Lord, a junior and Basketball player at Combs High School. The post mentions he was attacked at a Halloween party and later died in the hospital. The police have requested the public to share any videos from the surrounding area taken during the time frame of the incident. Anyone with relevant information can email or call the department.

Teen arrested for saving dog from alleged Chandler animal abuser

Bryce Slusher, a 15-year-old from Mesa, was arrested for trespassing when he tried to rescue a suffering dog from April McLaughlin's Chandler home after seeing videos on social media depicting poor living conditions of dogs in McLaughlin's care. Bryce's intentions were to film the conditions and rescue a dog in distress named Chester. He is scheduled for a juvenile court appearance on Nov. 14.

April McLaughlin faces 55 counts each of animal abuse and cruelty, as well as one count of vulnerable adult abuse. Numerous concerned citizens had previously reported her for alleged mistreatment of special needs dogs in her care. The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) made multiple visits to McLaughlin's home, noting poor conditions and the state of the animals. On September 22, a police raid on her home resulted in the rescue of 55 special needs dogs and the discovery of five deceased puppies. Some dogs were found in dire conditions, and several had to be euthanized.

This case has attracted international attention. Rebecca Arizmendi from the Yaqui Animal Rescue claims that with all the evidence they've gathered, a more prompt action could've been taken to end the dogs' suffering sooner. Three rescue groups, which had previously sent dogs to McLaughlin's home, later sued AHS to regain custody. McLaughlin recently lost an appeal to have 13 of the seized dogs returned to her, with AHS retaining custody.

Gilbert PD investigates Higley High School staff member

The Gilbert Police Department in Gilbert, AZ, is investigating concerns about a staff member from Higley High School based on information received from an indirect source. The incident that sparked the allegations happened in Cochise County. As of now, neither the Gilbert PD nor the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office has made any arrests. Following Higley School District policy, the staff member in question has been placed on administrative leave during the ongoing investigation. Further details will be shared as they emerge.

Man accused of break-ins, rapes in Tempe indicted on 12 felony charges

Djimon Boggs, a 24-year-old Valley man, has been indicted on 12 felony counts in connection with multiple burglaries and a sexual assault in a Tempe neighborhood near University Drive and McClintock Road, close to Arizona State University. Boggs was arrested following a series of violent crimes that shocked the local community. Court documents highlight that in some incidents, he was armed and threatened his victims with extreme violence. After his arrest, detectives described him as remorseful but stressed the severity of his actions.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said, “This individual terrorized a community of students and victimized a number of women." Given the heinous nature of the crimes, a high bond was set for Boggs to ensure he remains in jail awaiting trial.

Local residents expressed relief upon his arrest, with one stating that he "deserves the most he can get." Tanner Denton, an ASU student living nearby, mentioned heightened vigilance in his housing complex following the incidents. He and his housemates felt a sense of satisfaction when they learned that Boggs' bail was set at $1 million.

Arizona dentist with past crimes loses license after patient death

Dr. Thomas Endicott, an Arizona-based dentist, is currently facing a disciplinary hearing due to the death of a patient during a procedure. He has a controversial background that includes a guilty plea in 2005 to healthcare fraud and overprescribing narcotics in Michigan. That same year, he was also found guilty of attempted criminal sexual conduct, resulting in his registration as a sex offender. Consequently, he lost dental licenses in Michigan and Illinois. In 2012, despite initial denials and contention from the board, he was granted a license to practice in Arizona. Subsequent disciplinary actions followed, including an incident where a root canal he performed resulted in damage to a patient's tooth, and another where he failed to meet continuing education requirements. Notably, the Arizona dental board's website only displays the last five years of board actions due to state law, which means consumers cannot easily access older disciplinary records unless they request them. In 2018, Endicott failed to update his address as required by his sex offender status, leading to his arrest. In 2021, a patient died under his care after experiencing complications from anesthesia during a dental procedure. Board investigations revealed he inadequately responded to the emergency. He has since been refraining from practicing in Arizona pending the outcome of his case, and a formal hearing for revoking his license is in the works. Despite these issues, he currently holds an unrestricted dental license in Utah, having been licensed there since 2016.

Navy’s USS Arizona submarine gets skipper

The future USS Arizona, a nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarine, is in the process of joining the fleet and has recently appointed its first commander, Cmdr. Thomas Digan. He took command during a ceremony in Groton, Connecticut. This submarine's establishment of command comes after a keel-laying ceremony in December 2022 in Rhode Island. Capt. Thomas O’Donnell presided over the ceremony and highlighted the historical significance of the USS Arizona, specifically during the Pearl Harbor attack. The submarine, named after the state of Arizona, is the third Navy vessel with this designation. The first one was commissioned back in 1858. The new USS Arizona will have a crew of 135, and they are currently undergoing training. Nikki Stratton, granddaughter of a survivor of the Battleship USS Arizona, is sponsoring the submarine. Stratton emphasized the significance of the ship's name, given the history associated with Battleship Arizona during WWII.

Mayor’s ejection of 2 from meeting upheld

Mayor Brigette Peterson of Gilbert was cleared by an external investigator, Ken Fields, regarding allegations of ethics violations after she ordered the removal of two residents from a council meeting for holding signs reading “Stop Lying.” The residents, Dr. Brandon Ryff and Ryan Handelsman, had claimed they were singled out by the mayor. However, Fields concluded in his report that Peterson acted within her role to preserve order and found no evidence suggesting that the residents were targeted for their freedom of speech. This is the second investigation into the incident; the first also cleared Peterson, but was criticized for alleged bias. Fields reviewed materials, interviewed involved parties, and watched a video recording of the event, noting that the way the complainants displayed their signs contradicted town decorum rules. Although Ryff was dissatisfied with the investigation process, the complaint will be dismissed unless it's placed on the council's agenda by the mayor or three council members. Additionally, two ethics complaints against council member Jim Torgeson were dismissed last week.

Search for solution to stadium looms over Diamondbacks amid miracle playoff run

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the midst of their most successful postseason since their 2001 World Series win. However, their future at their home stadium, Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, is uncertain. The stadium, one of the National League's oldest, requires major upgrades to maintain its competitive status. Diamondbacks President and CEO, Derrick Hall, has been seeking public funds from Maricopa County or Phoenix for renovations. If no solution is found, the team might relocate to another venue in the Valley. In recent years, there have been complications, including a lawsuit with Maricopa County over the stadium's control. If the team decides to renovate Chase Field, the cost is projected to be over $400 million, which would involve creating attractions around the stadium. The trend of mixed-use developments around stadiums is common, though it often shifts spending within the community rather than generating new income. Despite this, the team claims it's ready to cover a significant portion of the renovation costs but awaits public assistance. Studies on the economic impact of stadiums show limited economic impacts on larger communities like Phoenix. However, in 2021, a bill was passed that allows a potential tax on sales at Chase Field, which could fund stadium upgrades. The team's current playoff performance might influence future negotiations regarding the stadium's fate.

Diamondbacks fall behind big, lose 11-7 in World Series Game 4, face 3-1 series deficit

n Game 4 of the World Series, the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks with a score of 11-7, giving them a 3-1 lead in the series. The Rangers set a record by having back-to-back five-run innings for the first time in the Fall Classic. Arizona's bullpen struggled as the Rangers built a dominant lead. The Diamondbacks tried to make a comeback with a few runs in the later innings but fell short. The game also saw a record set for three errorless games at the start of a World Series, which was broken by Walker's fumble. Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks achieved a postseason hitting streak record but was caught stealing after his hit. The Texas Rangers now look to clinch the World Series in Game 5.

Vote now for The Arizona Republic's high school athletes of the week, Oct. 30, 2023

Here are this week's nominees for The Arizona Republic's boys and girls athletes of the week, sponsored by Diamond Kitchen & Bath. Nominees are based on performances in AIA-sanctioned sports. Vote for the top selection in each of our polls below. Voting will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and winners will be announced the next day on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic on Friday. Submit a weekly nominee at static.azcentral.com/sports/high-schools/nominations/ ).

Boys nominees

Landon Ashcraft, Notre Dame golf: He shot 8-under for the two-day boys Division II state high school golf championship tournament to win the individual title.

Gunner Fagrell, Higley football: In a 58-21 win over previously unbeaten Desert Mountain, he threw for 246 yards and five TDs, ran for 156 yards and had no turnovers.

Ezekiel Raybourn, Liberty swim/dive: Has finished 1st or 2nd in several fall diving tournaments, including the Brophy/Xavier Invitational (1st); Cummins Invitational at Skyline HS (1st); Best in the West Invitational (T-2nd).

(If having difficulty voting, click here ).

Girls nominees

Raegan Capizzi, Chaparral golf: She shot 6-under for the two-day girls Division II state high school golf championship tournament to win the individual state title.

Haley Horner, Paradise Honors football: She had 11 kickoffs for 455 yards, including two touchbacks, and connected on all nine of her extra points for the boys tackle football team in a 77-0 rout of Kofa last Friday.

Clare Luken, Desert Vista swimming: She won the 100 Fly and 500 Free at last week's Tempe All-City Meet, and was part of two first-place relay wins. The previous weekend at a meet at ASU she was earned the high-point award for wins in the 100 Fly and 500 Free.


(If having difficulty voting, click here ).