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  • 🚨 2 adults, 2 teens arrested after attack on teen boy 😡 Self-proclaimed 'Gilbert Goon' arrested ♻️ Gilbert Introduces New Glass Recycling amd more...

🚨 2 adults, 2 teens arrested after attack on teen boy 😡 Self-proclaimed 'Gilbert Goon' arrested ♻️ Gilbert Introduces New Glass Recycling amd more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #059

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 11, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 2 adults, 2 teens arrested after attack on teen boy at Gilbert In-N-Out

😡 Self-proclaimed 'Gilbert Goon' arrested following teen's assault in San Tan Valley

📊 Gilbert Jan 09 Weekly Crime Report: 216 Incidents and 6 Crime Stories

🗣️ Paraphrased Statement from Chief Michael Soelberg Shared at Jan 9th Council Meeting

👍 Gilbert's Proactive Step: Council Subcommittee to Combat Teen Violence

👏 Queen Creek school board reelects leaders

♻️ Gilbert Introduces New Glass Recycling Drop-off Points to Boost Sustainability

Upcoming

2 adults, 2 teens arrested after attack on teen boy at Gilbert In-N-Out

Gilbert Police have recently made significant progress in a case involving a teen victim of a violent robbery outside an In-N-Out restaurant last August. Four arrests have been made, including 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic and another 18-year-old, Aris Arredondo. Additionally, two 16-year-olds were detained, though their identities remain undisclosed. These individuals are facing charges of aggravated robbery and assault.

These arrests mark a pivotal moment in addressing the series of teen-related violent incidents in Gilbert and Queen Creek. During his court appearance, it was suggested that Fantastic might be connected to other similar crimes, although the judge noted a lack of substantial evidence linking him to a "gang of kids". Details of the attack are scarce as the documents were sealed by prosecutors. Fantastic's bail is set at $25,000.

The involvement of the arrested individuals with the "Gilbert Goons," a group possibly associated with teen violence in the area, remains uncertain. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is investigating whether this group constitutes a legal street gang. Meanwhile, nine active investigations are ongoing in Gilbert, probing teen violence that might be connected to the "Goons". However, there is no established link between this group and the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord at a Halloween party.

The Gilbert Town Council has formed a subcommittee to address teen violence following these incidents. Queen Creek police have submitted charges against several juveniles and adults related to Lord’s death to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which is currently reviewing a comprehensive police report and substantial evidence, including numerous videos. Mitchell emphasized the importance of meticulous investigation to ensure justice, warning the suspects not to underestimate the seriousness of their situation.

Self-proclaimed 'Gilbert Goon' arrested following teen's assault in San Tan Valley

Jacob Pennington, a 20-year-old resident of Gilbert, Arizona, was arrested by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office in connection with an assault that occurred on November 18, 2023. The incident, which resulted in injuries to a teenage victim, took place in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive in San Tan Valley.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, Pennington admitted to being part of the "Gilbert Goons," a name he stated originated from a Snapchat group chat. He claimed that the fight began as he was defending a female friend who was allegedly hit by the victim.

Witnesses reported seeing Pennington hitting the victim in the face multiple times. A video of the altercation shows Pennington pursuing the victim while yelling racial slurs, eventually catching up and continuing the assault, including holding the victim down while others kicked him.

The 16-year-old male victim suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment. Initially, he was unable to identify his attackers, but a social media video of the incident later aided the police investigation. The case is still under investigation, with more arrests deemed possible.

This investigation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to address teen violence in the region. The detective working on this case is also part of an information-sharing group led by Gilbert Police Department, ensuring cooperative efforts in related investigations.

This arrest coincided with another significant arrest by Gilbert Police. On January 9, 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic was arrested in connection with an assault and robbery that occurred in a Gilbert parking lot in August 2023.

Gilbert Jan 09 Weekly Crime Report: 216 Incidents and 6 Crime Stories

In the past week, Gilbert has experienced a significant surge in criminal activity, totaling 216 incidents. The majority of these cases were categorized as 'Other' crimes, amounting to 47 instances. This was closely followed by 'Suspicious Situation' and 'Assault', with 35 and 34 cases respectively. 'Theft' also marked a considerable portion of the criminal activity, with 31 reported incidents. On the lower end of the spectrum, 'Vandalism', 'Trespass', and 'Disturbance' were recorded with 20, 17, and 16 cases respectively. More serious offenses such as 'Burglary' and 'Arrest' were relatively infrequent, noted 6 and 5 times each. The least common, yet highly alarming, were 'Shooting' incidents, with only 2 cases reported. This trend of crime in Gilbert highlights the urgent need for increased attention and action from law enforcement agencies to maintain community safety and address the high rates of assaults and thefts.

Incidents Last Week

  • Other 47

  • Suspicious Situation 35

  • Assault 34

  • Theft 31

  • Vandalism 20

  • Trespass 17

  • Disturbance 16

  • Burglary 6

  • Arrest 5

  • Shooting 2

Paraphrased Statement from Chief Michael Soelberg Shared at Jan 9th Council Meeting

In a recent town meeting, a statement was made addressing the community's concerns about teen violence in Gilbert. The speaker began by thanking the residents for their engagement and presence, underscoring the importance of community involvement.

The focus then shifted to an update on the investigations into teen violence. While the Queen Creek Police Department's investigation into Preston Lord's death is now with the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, efforts continue in Gilbert. The police are meticulously reviewing past cases involving youth to identify any connections or patterns. Due to the sensitive nature of ongoing investigations, information release is limited.

As of the latest update, there are nine active investigations related to teen violence in Gilbert, with four reopened cases and five new reports. One such case is a delayed report of an assault from November 2022, highlighting the need for community vigilance and reporting.

The term "Gilbert Goons" has recently emerged in reports, although it wasn't initially mentioned. The police department is collaborating with the state Gang Task Force, local police departments, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to investigate any associations with this term.

The community is urged to report any information related to teen violence through various channels, including the non-emergency number, online tip site, or appropriate police jurisdiction. Immediate incidents should be reported via 911. School districts have also established specific reporting channels.

The department expressed gratitude for the community's support in seeking justice for Preston Lord and other victims. While waiting for further information and decisions can be challenging, the speaker reassured that efforts are ongoing to hold perpetrators accountable and support ongoing investigations.

For more details on these investigations, residents can visit gilbertaz.gov/TeenInvestigations.

School district incident reporting channels:

Gilbert's Proactive Step: Council Subcommittee to Combat Teen Violence

The Gilbert Town Council, faced with escalating concerns about teen violence, voted on January 9 to establish a subcommittee dedicated to addressing the issue. This decision followed a tense public comment period, where residents expressed their frustrations and fears.

The newly formed subcommittee will include council members Scott Anderson, Chuck Bongiovanni, and Jim Torgeson. These members had initially proposed the creation of such a group. The decision comes amid heightened concerns, following reports from Police Chief Michael Soelberg about nine incidents of teen assault, with five new reports since late December.

Chief Soelberg acknowledged the community's role in aiding the police, especially in the case of Preston Lord, a Combs High School student who tragically died after being attacked at a Queen Creek house party. He reassured the public of the police's commitment to justice and accountability.

The council's discussion was swayed by the public's urgent calls for action, many visibly supporting the 'Justice 4 Preston Lord' cause. While other solutions were considered, the subcommittee was chosen as the most direct way to address the problem. The Council’s action was guided by legal advice, indicating that the formation of the subcommittee was the immediate actionable item on the agenda.

Council members highlighted the importance of listening to the community, including teens, and collaborating with neighboring municipalities like Chandler and Queen Creek to tackle the regional issue. They also recognized the need for better communication and public understanding of the ongoing efforts and investigations.

The meeting also saw critical comments from residents towards Mayor Brigette Peterson and the police department. However, Peterson and other council members expressed their empathy and distress over the incidents. The Council emphasized that the investigation and the subcommittee's work would run as two separate processes, with confidentiality being key to the success of the ongoing investigation.

In summary, the formation of the subcommittee is a response to the community's call for action against the rising teen violence in Gilbert, with a focus on collaborative efforts and enhanced communication.

Queen Creek school board reelects leaders

The Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board has re-elected experienced members to its leadership positions in its recent monthly meeting. Jennifer Revolt, re-elected to the board in 2020, has been chosen once again as the president, a role she has held since joining the governing board in 2016.

Revolt's tenure on the QCUSD board is marked by her involvement in various committees, reflecting a broad engagement in educational and community matters. Her roles include serving on the Strategic Planning Committee, Financial Advisory Committee, Political Advisory Committee for Bonds and Overrides, Site Council Committee, and the Pima Medical School BSPTA Advisory Board Community Committee.

Samantha Davis, re-elected in 2022, will continue as the vice president of the board, a position she has held since joining the governing board in 2018. Davis's background includes serving as a member and president of her school’s Parent Teacher Organization, bringing valuable experience to the board. Her tenure has been notable for establishing norms and protocols to enhance board efficiency and oversight. These contributions have been recognized by the Arizona School Boards Association, which has shared the Queen Creek Unified School Board Norms and Protocols as a model of board excellence with other school boards across Arizona.

Gilbert Introduces New Glass Recycling Drop-off Points to Boost Sustainability

Gilbert, Arizona, has introduced a new glass recycling initiative, providing residents with two designated drop-off locations for glass bottles, jugs, and jars. This program is part of the town's effort to enhance sustainability and waste reduction. Residents are encouraged to use the purple glass recycling bins located at Freestone Park (1045 E. Juniper Road, near the tennis courts) and Discovery Park (2214 E. Pecos Road, near the east entrance).

Key aspects of Gilbert's glass recycling program include:

  1. Acceptance of glass bottles, jugs, and jars of any color.

  2. Requirement to remove lids or caps before disposal.

  3. Prohibition of bagging items for recycling.

  4. Necessity for the glass items to be empty and clean.

  5. Exclusion of other glass types like windows or glassware.

  6. Reminder not to leave other recyclables or trash near the bins.

It's important to note that glass is not accepted in Gilbert's curbside recycling (blue bins) but only at these new community drop-off locations.

The initiative comes after Gilbert removed glass from its curbside recycling in 2021, as it was contaminating other materials like paper and plastic, reducing the overall value of the recycled materials. The new drop-off system aims to efficiently recycle glass, thus reducing landfill waste.

The effectiveness and return on investment of this program will be evaluated over the coming months to decide if these bins should become a permanent fixture. Residents are encouraged to contribute to the program's success by adhering to the guidelines and reducing contamination rates.

For more information on Gilbert's recycling efforts, residents can visit gilbertaz.gov/recycle.

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