Issue #001

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌞Gilbert, AZ Weather

🚒 Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department Introduces State's Premiere Electric Fire Truck

🧍Gilbert Teen Reported Missing Located in Alaska with Family Members

🔫Gilbert Police Urge Caution Over Game Involving Realistic Looking Gun

🍸Phoenix Man Accused of Extensive Liquor Thefts at Supermarkets

🦹‍♂️Disturbing Details Emerge from Gilbert Townhome Shooting

🚴‍♀️Gilbert Encourages Safe Cycling as Cooler Weather Approaches

🏈Higley Knights Shake Up 5A Football Rankings

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

October, November: Events coming soon

Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department Introduces State's Premiere Electric Fire Truck

The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department has introduced the state's inaugural electric fire truck, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability and firefighter health. Collaborating with Pierce Manufacturing, the electric fire truck mirrors the capabilities of traditional trucks, but with added benefits of being quieter and eco-friendly. A significant advantage highlighted by the initiative is the reduced exposure to diesel particulates, known to contribute to industrial cancers prevalent among firefighters. The pioneering electric fire truck, named the Pierce Volterra, will serve from the Gilbert Fire Station No. 2 located near Guadalupe and Higley Roads.

Gilbert Teen Reported Missing Located in Alaska with Family Members

A 16-year-old from Gilbert, Blaze Thibaudeau, who was reported missing on October 23, has been found safe near Alaska's eastern border alongside his mother, sister, and uncle. Initially seen with his mother, Spring Thibaudeau, and sister, Abigail Thibaudeau, authorities believed Blaze might have been taken out of Arizona by them. Although none were considered fugitives, Blaze's mother and uncle have been arrested on full extradition warrants and are now in the custody of Alaska State Troopers. The FBI had assisted in the investigation.

Gilbert Police Urge Caution Over Game Involving Realistic Looking Gun

The Gilbert Police Department is raising concerns about a game involving water pistols that resemble real firearms, highlighting potential threats to public safety and law enforcement. Several reports, including one on Oct. 16, indicated individuals seen with firearms in Gilbert business parking lots. During the mentioned incident, officers approached two teens, one of whom appeared to possess a firearm. The teens clarified it was a water gun for the game "assassin," popular among teens nationwide. The game involves "eliminating" peers by spraying them with the water gun. Given the realistic design of these water guns, the police are urging the community to be aware of the risks and potential misconceptions.

Phoenix Man Accused of Extensive Liquor Thefts at Supermarkets

A Phoenix resident, 33-year-old Harrison James Evens, has been implicated in multiple retail thefts spanning from June 2022 to October 2023. He is believed to have stolen high-priced liquor from various Fry's supermarkets, particularly in Chandler and Gilbert, amounting to losses of approximately $16,493.92 across 36 incidents.

Evens was apprehended on Oct. 25, 2023, by Gilbert Police detectives who had been monitoring him. They caught him leaving a supermarket on 87 E. Williams Field Road with two bags of stolen liquor. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed more stolen liquor bottles valued at $1,574.77. Detectives also found a magnetic alpha key on Evens, a tool used to remove anti-theft devices from liquor bottles.

Upon his arrest and after being read his Miranda rights, Evens confessed to the thefts, identifying himself in various surveillance footage from the aforementioned incidents. He claimed to have stolen the liquor for personal consumption.

Court documents reveal Evens faces 36 counts of felony Organized Retail Theft. While details of his criminal past have been redacted, it was disclosed that he has a significant criminal history. He's currently held on a $15,000 cash-only bond.

Disturbing Details Emerge from Gilbert Townhome Shooting

A devastating shooting occurred early Wednesday at Breckenridge Townhomes in Gilbert, with 31-year-old Michelle Golden being fatally shot by her suspected boyfriend, 30-year-old Preston Allen. Their four children, ages 8 to 11, were present during the incident, with one child trying to intervene. After the shooting, Allen allegedly threatened the children and fled the scene but was later arrested in Mesa. He claims to have no memory of the event due to intoxication. Allen now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and is held without bond. The Gilbert Police Department has since emphasized resources for those affected by domestic violence.

Gilbert Encourages Safe Cycling as Cooler Weather Approaches

As Gilbert, Arizona welcomes cooler temperatures, the local government is advocating for outdoor cycling activities on its expansive trail system. Cyclists are urged to prioritize safety by wearing helmets, using lights and reflective gear during low-light conditions, and employing hand signals or vocalizing their intentions while riding. Additionally, riders should be cautious around horses and adhere to traffic regulations.

For on-the-go maintenance, the town has set up bike repair stations at multiple trail locations, including the Western and Eastern Canal trails, Consolidated Canal, Gilbert Regional Park, Loop 202, and the San Tan generating station entrance.

Spanning over 50 miles, Gilbert's trails weave through neighborhoods, parks, and the Heritage District, offering ample cycling opportunities. A comprehensive online map of these trails is available for public convenience on the town's official website, which also delves into further details about cycling in the area, safety guidelines, and more.

In essence, as the season shifts, Gilbert is putting the spotlight on cycling, ensuring residents have all the resources and information needed for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Higley Knights Shake Up 5A Football Rankings

Arizona's high school football rankings were rattled Friday night, as Scottsdale Desert Mountain, the No. 1 team in 5A and this week's No. 4 in the AIA's Open Division playoff rankings, fell to Gilbert Higley (No. 4 in 5A) in a rout, 58-21.

Higley, the defending 5A champions, were sharp on both sides of the ball on the Wolves' home field, but its offense was overwhelming behind sophomore quarterback Gunner Fagrell, who threw for five touchdowns in a game played at Desert Mountain High School.

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