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🚔 Lots of Goon's News and Updates 💔 Hot air balloon crash and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #062

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 15, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚔 Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Makes Second Arrest in Gilbert Goon Assault Case

🎙️ Gilbert Teen Violence Case: Mother Speaks Out as Police Arrest Four Suspects

🤐 Gilbert Goons Gang: Teen Arrested, Mother Silent on Charges

💔 Hot air balloon crash in Eloy leaves 4 dead, 1 injured

🔍 Council OKs probe of Gilbert teen violence

📷 "Honoring Martin Luther King": A Dual Photographic Exhibition in Gilbert

🏀 Perry shocks No. 8 Grayson at the buzzer in Massachusetts Hoophall Classic

Upcoming

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Makes Second Arrest in Gilbert Goon Assault Case

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office has made a significant advancement in a high-profile aggravated assault case by arresting 18-year-old Garrett Bagshaw. This development follows the earlier arrest of 20-year-old Jacob Pennington, who during his post-arrest interview claimed to be associated with a group known as the Gilbert Goons.

The assault, which took place on November 18, saw multiple assailants attacking a 16-year-old boy in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive. In response to these events, Sheriff Mark Lamb has actively encouraged other individuals involved in the case to surrender themselves, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The sheriff's office utilized various forms of evidence, including video, to identify Pennington as a participant in the November attack. The father of another victim allegedly attacked by the Gilbert Goons, Rick Kuehner, expressed his dissatisfaction with the response time of the authorities, suggesting that quicker action might have led to earlier arrests.

Gilbert Teen Violence Case: Mother Speaks Out as Police Arrest Four Suspects

In a tragic case of teen violence in Gilbert, Arizona, the mother of a 16-year-old victim has spoken out following the recent arrests of four individuals involved in her son's assault. In December 2023, Richard Kuehner, the victim's father, revealed that his son suffered internal kidney damage from an attack in a parking lot near a fast food restaurant. The severity of the assault led to the victim being hospitalized and subsequently sent overseas to live with his mother.

The mother described receiving the harrowing news as a "tsunami wave" that rocked their world. She later learned that her son was attacked by a group of adults and teens, an incident that was recorded. Initially, the case saw little to no investigation, despite significant evidence, leading to its closure. However, it was later reopened as more victims of similar attacks came forward, raising public awareness and pressuring the police to take action.

This week, Gilbert Police arrested two 16-year-olds, along with 18-year-olds Christopher Fantastic and Aris Arredondo. Arredondo had his initial court appearance on January 11. Both Arredondo and Fantastic, accused of being associated with the "Gilbert Goons" gang, are facing charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.

While court documents remain sealed, allegations suggest that Arredondo and Fantastic were involved in targeted assaults. Bonds for both were set at $25,000, with Arredondo released on bail under ankle monitor supervision, and Fantastic remaining in jail.

The Gilbert Police Department is actively investigating the "Gilbert Goons" gang amid growing concerns about teen violence in the community. The victim's mother, deeply concerned for her son's psychological and emotional trauma, stressed the urgency of addressing such violence to protect other potential victims.

Gilbert Goons Gang: Teen Arrested, Mother Silent on Charges

In Mesa, Arizona, a 17-year-old boy has been arrested for his involvement in a series of assaults attributed to the "Gilbert Goons" gang. He is seen in multiple assault videos at locations including a Mesa park and a Gilbert In-N-Out Burger. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown by authorities across Gilbert, Mesa, and Pinal County, targeting the gang's violent activities.

The teenager, one of seven people recently arrested, is linked to an assault on May 29, although it wasn't reported to police until January. He appeared in Maricopa County Juvenile Court and remains detained on aggravated assault charges. His mother declined to comment on his arrest and did not respond to inquiries about his involvement in the attacks or a TikTok photo showing him with a gun.

Following an investigation by The Arizona Republic, Gilbert police are now probing nine cases related to teen violence, including some previously unreported incidents. The department is actively seeking public assistance in identifying more suspects.

Hot air balloon crash in Eloy leaves 4 dead, 1 injured

In a tragic incident on Sunday morning, a hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, resulted in four fatalities and left one person critically injured. The crash happened around 7:50 a.m. in a desert area near Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road, roughly 65 miles south of Phoenix, as reported by the Eloy Police Department.

In a respectful gesture towards the victims and their families, the names of those involved have been withheld by the Eloy Police until the next of kin have been notified. The department has expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, acknowledging the heartbreaking nature of the accident.

The cause of the crash remains uncertain at this time. Eloy Police have indicated they are collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Council OKs probe of Gilbert teen violence

In a move to address the escalating teen violence in Gilbert, Arizona, the town council has approved the formation of a subcommittee. This decision, backed by Vice Mayor Scott Anderson and Councilmen Chuck Bongiovanni and Jim Torgeson, came after extensive discussions on whether an existing task force could handle the issue. Councilwoman Yung Koprowski was absent during the vote.

The subcommittee, proposed in the wake of the tragic death of 16-year-old Preston Lord and a spate of violent teen incidents, aims to explore the root causes of this violence and develop effective solutions. Residents, showing solidarity, attended the council meeting in large numbers, many wearing orange and holding LED tealights to honor Preston, with orange being his favorite color.

This initiative comes after growing public frustration over perceived inaction by authorities, including the Queen Creek Police Department and Gilbert Police. The recent involvement of the FBI in the investigation and the arrest of seven juveniles and adults linked to these incidents have intensified the scrutiny.

Community members, including youth advocate Katey McPherson and Dr. Brandon Ryff, a vocal critic of Mayor Brigette Peterson, have expressed their concerns and criticisms. They allege that if Gilbert Police had been more proactive, incidents like Preston's death could have been prevented. Some community members also criticized Peterson's perceived lack of empathy and involvement in community actions seeking justice for Preston.

The council discussed the possibility of tackling teen violence through the existing Community Engagement Task Force but eventually settled on the subcommittee, despite concerns about its limited scope and potential frustrations due to procedural rules.

Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg noted that the department has nine active cases related to teen violence, with increased patrols at popular teen hangouts and a dedicated teen violence page on the department's website. Council members Peterson, Bobbi Buchli, and Kathy Tilque expressed their support for the police department's efforts.

As the community grapples with these violent incidents, the formation of the subcommittee represents a step towards addressing and preventing teen violence in Gilbert.

"Honoring Martin Luther King": A Dual Photographic Exhibition in Gilbert

A compelling dual exhibition showcasing the works of the late photojournalist Dan Budnik and Tucson photographer Susan Berger has been unveiled in Gilbert. Hosted by Art Intersection, "Honoring Martin Luther King" is on display at Gallery 4 in HD SOUTH: Home of the Gilbert Museum, located at 10 S. Gilbert Road, until February 10.

The exhibit features Budnik’s poignant images capturing key moments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s activism, notably the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. These events played a pivotal role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Complementing Budnik’s work, Berger’s photographs explore her journey across America to neighborhoods with streets named in honor of Dr. King. These images are part of her photographic book "Life and Soul—American Streets Honoring Martin Luther King," for which she traveled extensively, capturing the essence of communities that celebrate Dr. King's legacy.

Budnik, who had maintained a studio in Tucson for almost three decades, was renowned for his contributions to photojournalism since the 1950s. His works have been crucial in documenting significant global events and personalities.

Gallery curator Alan Fitzgerald reflects on Dr. King's symbolism in advocating voting rights and equality, highlighting the ongoing struggles and achievements in minority advancements. Fitzgerald also emphasizes the importance of remembering the civil rights movement amid the resurgence of racial prejudice and attacks on voting rights.

Berger, in her statement, stresses the perennial relevance of civil rights struggles, pointing out the various forms these struggles take, from voting rights to personal freedoms. She notes that the fight for civil rights transcends race.

The exhibit offers a unique visual narrative of the civil rights movement and its continuing relevance, with Budnik's archivist, Dianne Nilsen, sharing personal anecdotes about the late photographer. Nilsen, who now manages Budnik's archive, recalls Budnik's storytelling prowess and his deep commitment to his work.

Berger's part of the exhibition, drawn from her extensive travels and photographic book, presents a unifying theme of pride and community spirit in neighborhoods honoring Dr. King, highlighting the welcoming nature and communal pride of these areas.

For more details about the exhibition, visit artintersection.com and hdsouth.org.

Perry shocks No. 8 Grayson at the buzzer in Massachusetts Hoophall Classic

In a thrilling turn of events, the Perry Pumas made a significant leap towards national recognition in high school basketball with a dramatic win over the No. 8 nationally ranked Grayson at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. Guard Barron Silsby's buzzer-beating 3-pointer clinched a 64-63 victory for Perry, a Gilbert school in the Chandler district, against the Georgia powerhouse.

This victory is a testament to the team's resilience and skill, particularly after trailing behind Grayson in the final seconds of the game. Coach Sam Duane Jr. expressed pride in his team, praising their performance against one of the quickest teams they've faced.

Perry's success at the Hoophall Classic was partly due to an early arrival in Springfield, an adjustment made to avoid the harsh winter storm in the East. This extra time for preparation paid off as the Pumas (14-4) faced off against Grayson (15-2).

Koa Peat, Perry's 6-foot-8 junior who is being eyed by top colleges including Arizona and Arizona State, showcased his talent with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocked shots. D'Andre Harrison, a 6-5 wing, also impressed with 23 points and six rebounds. The pivotal moment of the game came when Harrison, caught in the paint, passed the ball to Silsby, who scored the game-winning three-pointer from behind the arc.

Perry demonstrated strong defensive skills, limiting Purdue-signee Gicarri Harris to 16 points and keeping Jacob Wilkins, the 6-9 son of former NBA star Dominique Wilkins, to just six points.

The Pumas' journey to this remarkable win has seen its challenges. Of their four losses, two were against the defending California champion Harvard-Westlake, ranked No. 4 in the country. They also faced a narrow defeat against New York's Archbishop Stepinac and a one-point loss to Phoenix Sunnyslope, their only loss to an Arizona team.

However, Perry has shown a remarkable recovery, winning nine of their last 10 games, with their only recent loss being to Harvard-Westlake in the semifinals of the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland, Oregon. This victory at the Hoophall Classic is a significant highlight in their season, potentially propelling them back into the national high school basketball rankings.

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