The Town Council adopted an ordinance, which bans persons under 18 years of age from possessing brass knuckles. Persons of any age cannot sell, barter, lend, give away, or have in their possession for the purpose of selling, bartering, lending, or giving away, or to display for sale or giving away brass knuckles or knuckle dusters to any person under 18 years of age.

The ban includes brass knuckles made of metal, plastic, wood, bone, composite, or any other type of hard material. The penalty for violating this ordinance is a Class 1 misdemeanor, subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions stated in Gilbert Town Code. 

The Town Council believes control of unruly gatherings is necessary to protect the peace, health, safety, and welfare of the Gilbert community. The Council adopted an unruly gathering ordinance, which will assure that responsible person(s) face civil or criminal penalties for such a gathering.  

 (a) It shall be unlawful for a responsible person to permit an unruly gathering.

 (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any conduct causing a gathering to be unruly.

An unruly gathering means a party, gathering, or event on any public or private property, including property used to conduct business, in a manner which causes a disturbance of the reasonable enjoyment of private or public property by any person or persons. Such disturbances may include but are not limited to: excessive noise (meaning noise reasonably evaluated by a police officer and/or by a code enforcement officer as disturbing the peace and quiet enjoyment of people working or living in the vicinity of the property), impeding traffic, obstruction of sidewalks or streets by crowds or vehicles, drinking alcohol in public areas, the use or possession of illegal drugs, the possession or consumption of alcohol or marijuana by minors, fighting or violence, serious disruptive behavior, disturbing the peace, and/or littering.

Under the ordinance, responsible person(s) could be a property owner, landlord, tenant, or any sponsor. If the person is under age 18, the responsible persons would also include their parents or guardians. An owner, landlord, or tenant would not be liable unless they were present, had knowledge of the gathering, or an unlawful gathering had taken place on their property within the prior 180 days.

Penalties for violating the ordinance include:

• A civil violation with a penalty fine between $500 and $2,500
• Habitual offenders within an 18-month period will face a Class 1 misdemeanor
• A responsible party would also be liable for the actual costs incurred by the Town in responding to the gathering. 

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the findings of the group teen violence gang investigation were announced by Gilbert PD, Chandler PD, Queen Creek PD, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mesa PD, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Gilbert PD arrested 19-year-old Clayton Oden in connection to his alleged involvement in an assault that was reported to the Gilbert Police Department on December 26, 2023; reference incident #24-1414.  The assault occurred in October 2022, near 1212 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert. The victim in this assault was initially not known, but through our investigation Detectives recently identified and interviewed the victim, leading to the arrest of Clayton Oden.

Clayton Oden was booked into the Gilbert-Chandler Holding Facility and charged with ARS § 13-2904.A.1, Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor; and ARS § 13-1203.A.3, Assault, a class 3 misdemeanor.  Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

We want to urge anybody who has any information about a crime or has been a victim of a crime to please report it by calling 480-503-6500 or through our online tip portal, glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip.

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the findings of the group teen violence gang investigation were announced by Gilbert PD, Chandler PD, Queen Creek PD, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mesa PD, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

Preston Lord’s death highlighted the issue of teen violence that has affected so many of our communities. That is why this has been a united effort by our respective law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate these group teen violence cases in each of our jurisdictions.

Important Definitions:

Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.8) defines a “Criminal street gang” as a formal or informal “association” of people who collectively or individually commit or attempt to commit any felony crime. At least one member of the association must be a street gang member. 

Per Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.9), a "Criminal street gang member" means an individual to whom at least two of the following seven criteria that indicate criminal street gang membership apply:  

a.     Self-proclamation.  

b.     Witness testimony or official statement.  

c.     Written or electronic correspondence.  

d.     Paraphernalia or photographs.  

e.     Tattoos.  

f.      Clothing or colors.  

g.     Any other indicia of street gang membership

This above criteria is needed to establish an individual as criminal street gang member.

Gang intelligence information is restricted pursuant to 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 23, Intelligence Information. Due to these Federal restrictions, gang intelligence information cannot be shared with the public.

These federal regulations serve as guidelines for law enforcement agencies. It contains implementing standards for operating federally funded, multi-jurisdictional criminal intelligence systems.

It is important to know that it is not a crime in itself to be a gang member.

In order to charge a gang member with “Participating in or assisting a criminal street gang,” the evidence must demonstrate that the criminal act was committed to promote or further the criminal objectives of the criminal street gang.

Through the collaborative efforts by all the agencies you see here today, detectives have concluded that the group known as the “Gilbert Goons” has met the requirements to be documented as a criminal street gang as set forth by Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.8, Criminal Street Gang).

All of the law enforcement agencies have reviewed their investigations involving identified members of this gang and based on the information available at this time, there is not sufficient evidence to submit additional charges of “Participating in or assisting a criminal street gang”.

It is important to note that although the criteria has not been met at this time, the gang intelligence information is available to the County Attorneys as supplemental information that may assist with their prosecutions or sentencing upon conviction.  

As with any investigation, if further information or evidence is discovered, it will be reviewed to determine if additional charges are warranted. We again ask for any community members who have information related to teen violence to please immediately contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. 

Another important clarification needs to be made. Although the “Gilbert Goons” now have been designated as a gang, they are classified as a hybrid gang.

The "Gilbert Goons" was established in the Town of Gilbert, but members of the Gilbert Goons live in various east valley cities.  

In its early stages, this hybrid gang primarily consisted of individuals who attended east valley schools, who participated in underage drinking, and the use of illicit drugs.  

The group ranged in size, and initially its members participated in a "fight club" type of agreement. 

Over time, members engaged in other criminal behaviors.  

East Valley agencies had prior knowledge of another group of individuals from various east valley cities identifying themselves as “Jack Boy Mafia” or “JBM”.  

Our agencies took prior and extensive enforcement action on this group. What’s important to know today is that information received through this investigation officially categorized them as a criminal hybrid gang. 

A Hybrid Gang is defined as having:  

 A Traditional Gang is defined as having:  

None of these combined investigations by any of these agencies has shown the necessary evidence to support charging “participating in or assisting a criminal street gang." 

To charge participating in a criminal street gang, you must prove the involved subject(s) committed the felony offense in furtherance of the criminal street gang.

Moving forward we will continue to work together to ensure our communities remain safe and while we have concluded our gang investigation, we stand united in combatting gang activity and violence in the East Valley. 

Case #24-37955 – Occurred Summer 2023 / Reported to Gilbert PD on March 13, 2024 

On March 13, 2024, Gilbert PD obtained evidence of a previously unreported altercation involving group teen violence believed to have occurred in Summer 2023 near the 2400 Block of South Market Street. 

Two days later on March 15, 2024, Gilbert PD arrested one individual who was a juvenile at the time of the incident. Charges of A.R.S. 13-1203(A)(3) - Assault, A.R.S. 13-2904(A)(1) - Disorderly Conduct, and A.R.S. 13-1202(A)(1) - Threatening and Intimidating were filed through the Gilbert Municipal Court. This incident remains under investigation. Additional information will be provided when appropriate. Please note: Legal constraints prohibit the release of records that contain the identities of juveniles. These constraints prevent us from connecting an individual juvenile to a case that may have occurred while individuals were juveniles, even if they are an adult today or were charged as an adult today. 

The Gilbert Police Department would like to stress the importance of immediately reporting any incidents of crime to the appropriate police jurisdiction. Anyone who has been a victim of a crime in Gilbert is asked to call 480-503-6500 or 9-1-1 for emergencies. Report tips anonymously at glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip. 

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

Case #24-14023 – This incident occurred and was reported to the Gilbert Police Department on January 27, 2024, and subsequently shared in Chief Soelberg’s weekly media briefing.  The juvenile victim reported he was assaulted at a park in a neighborhood near Baseline Road and Val Vista Drive by multiple individuals.  On March 15, 2024, a 15-year-old juvenile was identified as an alleged suspect and subsequently arrested.  Charges were referred to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.  This investigation is still active and ongoing.

Charges include: A.R.S. § 13-1304(A)(3) – Kidnap, A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault, and A.R.S. § 13-2907.01(A) – False Reporting to Law Enforcement

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

 March 6 Update:

March 7 Update:

Today, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Queen Creek Police Department announced the indictment of two additional individuals related to the investigation into Preston Lord’s death, identified as Taylor Sherman and Jacob Meisner.  

The Gilbert Police Department would like to provide the public with information on the previous interactions the Gilbert Police Department had with these two individuals.  Please note: the Gilbert Police Department is limited by the legal safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the criminal justice process. Legal constraints also prohibit the release of records that contain the identities of juveniles. These constraints prevent us from connecting an individual juvenile to a case that may have occurred while individuals were juveniles, even if they are an adult today or were charged as an adult today in Queen Creek’s case.   

Juvenile Involvements:  

• One juvenile had four juvenile arrests: alcohol consumption; disorderly conduct related to fireworks; criminal damage for doing donuts with farm equipment in a field; and aggravated assault that wasn’t reported until January 2024. There were seven other prior documented interactions with this juvenile dating back to 2019. In those interactions, he posted a nude photo of himself in one case; one case where evidence was insufficient for an arrest; one case where the victim did not want to pursue charges; and two cases where he was a witness. The final two cases are still active investigations, one was not reported until December 2023 and the second investigation has resulted in the arrest of four individuals, and we are actively working on investigating this juvenile’s involvement. There are no other documented incidents with Gilbert PD.  
• The other juvenile had one documented incident from 2022 where he was a driver in a case where fireworks were thrown from a vehicle. One person was arrested in this case.  

Adult Involvement: 

• Taylor Sherman (19) – Between 2022 and 2024, Taylor Sherman was arrested for suspicion of DUI, received a civil traffic citation, was involved in two traffic collisions, and was a victim in a criminal damage case. 

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.  

The Gilbert Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate all incidents of crime in Gilbert and bring justice to victims. Anyone with information or evidence on any crime is asked to call the Gilbert Police Department at 480-503-6500 or submit a tip at glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip. 

Gilbert PD has submitted charges on a second defendant in connection to a previously unreported assault and robbery case from September 2023 (#24-14607) believed to have occurred in a parking lot near the 2500 Block of S. Market Street. Video evidence on this incident was obtained by Gilbert PD in late January 2024.

On Wednesday, Gilbert PD submitted charges of A.R.S. § 13-1903(A) Aggravated Robbery on 20-year-old Jacob Pennington who is currently in the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier this week, Gilbert PD arrested, processed, and submitted a juvenile referral on a 17-year-old juvenile for A.R.S. §§ 13-1903(A) Aggravated Robbery, 13-1203(A)(1) Assault, and 13-2904(A)(1) Disorderly Conduct to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review. 

We want to continue to urge anybody who has any information or has been a victim of incidents of this nature to please report it by calling 480-503-6500 or through our online tip portal, glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip.

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

In furtherance of its investigations into acts of group teen violence, the Gilbert Police Department arrested a 17-year-old juvenile today in connection to a previously unreported alleged assault and robbery case (#24-14607) from September 2023.  She was arrested, processed, and a juvenile referral for A.R.S. §§ 13-1903(A) Aggravated Robbery, 13-1203(A)(1) Assault, and 13-2904(A)(1) Disorderly Conduct is being referred to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review. 

To date, Gilbert PD has made a total of 41 arrests related to group teen violence since February 2022.  We continue to ask the public that any information related to incidents of teen violence in Gilbert be reported by calling 480-503-6500 or through our online tip portal at glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip.

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

In furtherance of its investigations into acts of group teen violence, Gilbert PD arrested two adults and submitted charges on a third in connection to an alleged assault reported to have occurred on December 17, 2022, at a residence located near Higley and Elliot Roads. (Case #22-147572)

19-year-old Gage Garrison was arrested on February 7, 2024, and will be booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for the following charges:

•               A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault

•               A.R.S. § 13-1508(A) – Burglary

18-year-old Cody Kostoryz was arrested on February 7, 2024, and will be booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for the following charges:

•               A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault

•               A.R.S. § 13-1508(A) – Burglary

Longform charges were submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office on 18-year-old Nolan Russell due to Russell residing out-of-state; however, we requested that the Maricopa County Attorney's Office seek an arrest warrant with nationwide extradition upon charging:

•               A.R.S. § 13-1508(A) – Burglary

•               A.R.S. § 13-1304(A)(3) – Kidnapping

•               A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

On January 31, 2024, the Gilbert Police Department arrested three individuals in connection to the following investigations involving incidents of teen violence. To date, the Gilbert Police Department has made a total of 35 arrests involving incidents of group teen violence, including 22 arrests within the past 31 days.  Information regarding today’s arrests is below:

Case #22-139578: 20-year-old Jacob Pennington, 18-year-old William Owen Hines, and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested in connection to an alleged assault reported to have occurred on December 2, 2022, near Williams Field Road and South Market Street. Officers were originally dispatched to a fight call for service at the location and after contacting multiple individuals, were unable to locate any suspects or victims believed to be involved in the incident. In January 2024, the Gilbert Police Department received a video with new evidence of the alleged assault. As a result of the investigation, the three arrestees face charges of A.R.S. §§ 13-1204(A)(2) Aggravated Assault and 13-1204(A)(4) Aggravated Assault.

Case #22-140033: A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested in connection to an alleged assault reported to have occurred in a parking garage on December 3, 2022, near 72 West Vaughn Avenue. This case was inactivated due to a lack of investigative leads until December 2023, when the Gilbert Police Department received a video of the alleged assault. Photos of the alleged assault were shared with the public on January 11, 2024, and a juvenile defendant was identified. The 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with A.R.S. §§ 13-1204(A)(2) Aggravated Assault, 13-1204(A)(4) Aggravated Assault, and 13-1304(A)(3) Kidnapping. 

Case #24-2080: This incident was reported to the Gilbert Police Department on January 4, 2024. The juvenile victim reported he was allegedly assaulted outside of a residence near Higley and Riggs Roads on November 22, 2022. On January 31, 2024, 18-year-old William Owen Hines and a 17-year-old juvenile were charged with A.R.S. §§ 13-1204(A)(2) Aggravated Assault and 13-1204(A)(4) Aggravated Assault in connection with this investigation.

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the Gilbert Police Department made two additional arrests in connection to case #23-126580, an alleged assault and robbery investigation believed to have occurred on August 18, 2023, in a parking lot near Williams Field and Market Street. 19-year-old Deleon Haynes and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested and charged with A.R.S. § 13-1903(A) Aggravated Robbery and A.R.S. § 13-1204(A) Aggravated Assault. Including these two arrests, the total number of arrests made in this case is 6.

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Gilbert Police Department made a second arrest related to case #24-2080, an active investigation involving incidents of teen violence. This investigation is independent of Queen Creek’s investigation into the death of Preston Lord.

Case #24-2080 – This incident was reported to the Gilbert Police Department on January 4, 2024. The juvenile victim reported he was assaulted outside of a residence near Higley and Riggs Roads on November 22, 2022. On January 25, 2024, a 17-year-old juvenile was identified as an alleged suspect and subsequently arrested, and charges were referred to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. This investigation is still active and ongoing. 

 Charges:

• A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and referred to Maricopa County Juvenile Court for A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(2) – Aggravated Assault and A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault.

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

The Gilbert Police Department continues to honor its commitment to investigate allegations of acts of teen violence. On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the Gilbert Police Department made three arrests related to two active investigations involving incidents of teen violence. These investigations are independent of Queen Creek’s investigation into the death of Preston Lord.

Case #24-2080 – This incident was reported to the Gilbert Police Department on January 4, 2024. The juvenile victim reported he was allegedly assaulted outside of a residence near Higley and Riggs Roads on November 22, 2022. 18-year-old Kyler Renner was identified as an alleged suspect and subsequently arrested. This investigation is ongoing. 

Case #22-140033 (previously under #24-1392) – In this investigation, an adult victim reported to police that he was assaulted by a group in a parking garage near 72 West Vaughn Avenue on December 3, 2022. This case was inactivated due to a lack of investigative leads until December 2023, when the Gilbert Police Department received a video of the alleged assault. Photos of the alleged assault were shared with the public on January 11, 2024. 18-year-old Kyler Renner, 19-year-old Gage Garrison, and a 17-year-old juvenile were identified in this alleged assault and arrested. This investigation is ongoing. 

 Charges:

• Kyler Renner (18) - Kyler Renner was arrested for two counts each of A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(2) – Aggravated Assault and A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault.  At the time of his arrest, Kyler was found to have evidence of A.R.S. § 13-3408(A)(1) – Possession of Narcotic Drugs and A.R.S. § 13-3415(A) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Those charges will be pending lab analysis. 
• Gage Garrison (19) – Gage Garrison was arrested for A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(2) – Aggravated Assault and A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault.  
• 17-year-old juvenile – A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested for A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(2) – Aggravated Assault and A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault.
• 17-year-old juvenile - On January 25, 2024, a 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and referred to Maricopa County Juvenile Court for A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(2) – Aggravated Assault and A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(4) – Aggravated Assault.

***********

Additionally, through the investigation of the above cases (#24-2080 and #22-140033), the Gilbert Police Department arrested two individuals today on charges unrelated to investigations involving teen violence.

Gilbert PD arrested 50-year-old Travis Renner for drug-related charges after drugs were alleged to have been located during a search of his residence near the 2400 Block of East Toledo Street in Gilbert. Gilbert PD also arrested 20-year-old Kiara Holsapple for a drug paraphernalia charge after drug paraphernalia was alleged to have been found in her possession when she was contacted near the residence.

Charges: 

• Travis Renner (50) – Travis Renner was arrested for A.R.S. § 13-3407(A)(1) – Possession of Dangerous Drugs and A.R.S. § 13-3415(A) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Kiara Holsapple (20) – Kiara Holsapple was arrested for A.R.S. § 13-3415(A) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.”

On January 23, 2024, Gilbert PD arrested 22-year-old Tyler Strocchia in connection to his alleged involvement in three criminal investigations (listed below). While the investigations and related charges listed below are not teen violence, Strocchia is alleged to have threatened a juvenile victim in a separate and active Gilbert PD investigation (#23-176392). 

 The three cases related to Strocchia’s arrest today are as follows:

• 24-5593 – investigation into Sexual Conduct with a Minor
• 24-8844 – investigation into Sexual Conduct with a Minor
• 24-5375 – investigation into Possession and Sale of Illegal Drugs

Strocchia has been booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for the following charges:

• 3 Counts of A.R.S. § 13-1405(A) Sexual Conduct with a Minor
• 2 Counts of A.R.S. § 13-3405(A)(2) Possession of Marijuana for Sale
• 1 Count of A.R.S. § 13-3405(A)(4) Transportation of Marijuana for Sale
• 2 Counts of A.R.S. § 13-3415 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 1 Count of A.R.S. § 13-3417(A) Use of Wire Communication or Electronic Communication in a Drug-Related Transaction
• 2 Counts of A.R.S. § 13-3408(A)(1) Possession of Narcotic Drugs
• 2 Counts of A.R.S. § 13-3408(A)(2) Possession of Narcotic Drug for Sale
• 1 Count of A.R.S. § 13-3408(A)(7) Transportation of Narcotic Drug for Sale
• 1 Count of A.R.S. § 13-2317(A)(1) Money Laundering

Gilbert PD would like to remind the public that charged offenses are merely allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg spoke with local media about teen violence investigations on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The briefing took place inside the Gilbert Police Department’s Emergency Operations Center.

Chief Soelberg provided an opening statement with information about the department’s investigation process and the complexities of the teen violence investigations. He also addressed concerns of the community and offered assurance that Gilbert remains one of the safest largest cities in the country.

Following his statement, local media asked questions of the chief and were invited to attend the first meeting of the Gilbert Town Council’s Subcommittee on Teen Violence.

Below is Chief Soelberg’s statement to our community. To view the livestream recording of the briefing, visit Gilbert’s YouTube channel. Updates about the Teen Violence Investigations can be found on our website. 

January 18, 2024

Thank you all for being here today. I know you’ve been anxious to hear from me regarding the teen violence investigations. Over the past several weeks, my focus – our focus at the police department – has been on supporting the tremendous investigative activities that have been occurring behind the scenes. These efforts are exactly what have led to recent arrests. But one of the biggest frustrations we have heard is that people want to hear directly from me. In the absence of hearing directly from me, inaccurate information has continued to proliferate.

Gilbert is my home. I come to you not just as your police chief but as a father myself. Gilbert is the place where I, like many of you, chose to raise my family because of the sense of community and safety that makes Gilbert so special. These recent incidents of teen violence have instilled fear and brought forth more questions on how something like this could happen here in our Town.

I want to start with this message to our community. This is one of the safest large cities in the country. And our neighboring communities also boast high levels of community safety. That’s what makes the recent acts of teen violence in the east valley even more shocking. The death of Preston Lord in Queen Creek is senseless and tragic and while the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office continues their review of the investigation, I want to assure you that any act of violence in Gilbert is not and will not be tolerated.

Violent crime is on the rise across the country. Although overall crime is down in Gilbert, violent crime is up and that is reflected both in crime trends involving adults and our youth. In 2022 and 2023, Gilbert PD responded to 375,568 calls for service across our community. Of those calls for service, incidents of teen violence made up less than .07% of our total calls for service. Having said that, every call for service matters. We will continue to investigate reports of crimes, pursue justice for victims, and hold offenders accountable, teen or otherwise.

As a parent, now, more than ever, we need to be connecting with our kids, we need to be talking with them, and we need to ensure they are making smart choices with their friends and their after-school activities. And if they fear for their safety, please report this immediately to authorities or to a trusted adult. If you haven’t already, when you get home tonight, talk with your kids. I know I am.

I want to be clear that there are questions that I’m not going to be able to answer today, as they are part of active investigations. These cases involve violent assaults on our teens. We do not take them lightly. Through our investigations, we’ve also learned that not all ofthese attacks are random. Before Preston’s death, we had already made 13 arrests related to incidences of teen violence that occurred between February 2022 until his death. Since January 3rd, we’ve made 9 additional arrests, including one within the last 24 hours, thanks to the assistance of community members and the media. Over the past two years we have made 22 arrests related to teen violence. And there will be more.

In order for these arrests to have been made, our detectives have to thoroughly review all evidence associated with the crime; conduct interviews with all of the individuals involved; obtain multiple search warrants, complete digital forensics examinations; and when necessary, submit evidence to the crime lab. In today’s world of social media, many of these tasks are made even more complex. Through our investigations, we know that many of these incidents were being recorded and shared privately and publicly on numerous social media platforms. Researching and verifying authenticity and accuracy of this information takes time, but we are committed to the process of doing this right, and we appreciate the public’s – and the media’s – continued assistance.

Many have asked who are the “Gilbert Goons,” and how long we’ve known about them. As we have shared many times, in the handful of cases that were reported to our department over the past year, none of our interviews with victims or reports ever used the term “Gilbert Goons” or provided information that the attacks were perpetrated by any members identifying as a Gilbert Goon. While we weren’t initially aware of the term, we were actively addressing the violent incidents involving teens during that time.

It is now becoming clear that some individuals may be associating themselves with the term Gilbert Goons and we now have an active investigation in collaboration with our law enforcement partners to determine if the “Gilbert Goons”, can be classified, under Arizona law, as a criminal street gang.

It is also important – and I cannot stress this enough – for people who have knowledge of past incidents of violence or even potential future acts – to report this information to the authorities. We are thankful to the victims and families of the victims who have had the courage to step forward and report prior incidents of teen violence so that we can properly investigate those and support the successful prosecution of any offenders. The issues with teen violence, or any violence in our community, is not just an issue for the Police Department to resolve. These issues are complex, and it will take all of our combined efforts, working together to find solutions to end violence in our community. Later this afternoon the Town will take our next steps towards working to address this problem. Our Gilbert Town Council Subcommittee will be meeting at 3 pm in the Council Chambers. We are united with our community, and we are in this together.

Statement from Chief Michael Soelberg shared at the January 9, 2023 council meeting:

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to be here tonight. We are a great community in large part because of our engaged and caring residents so again, thank you for making time to be here this evening and make your voice heard. 

I would like to start off by providing you with an update on our investigations on incidents of teen violence. 

While Queen Creek Police Department’s investigation into who is responsible for the death of Preston Lord is in the hands of the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, we continue to work on Gilbert’s investigations. We are combing through every detail of our past assault cases and arrests involving youth to determine if there are any connections or correlations and what are the relationships, if any, between those involved. As most already know, the information we can provide is limited so as to not jeopardize or undermine any ongoing investigations. 

Yesterday we shared an update that we had eight active investigations. As of today, there are now nine active investigations related to teen violence; four reopened investigations and five previously unreported to the department. The most recent report is an assault which occurred in November 2022. While it is frustrating that this incident was not reported to the police prior, this is an example of what we need from our community, and we are thankful for the victim who had the courage to report this delayed assault. 

As I have said before, we initially did not have any reports that mentioned “Gilbert Goons” but recently victims have been using that term. Yesterday, we announced that we have been working with, and will continue to work with, the state Gang Task Force, the Mesa, Queen Creek and Chandler Police Departments and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to thoroughly investigate any individuals self-proclaiming or affiliated by others as being associated with the term “Gilbert Goons.” 

We continue to encourage anyone with information related to prior incidents of teen violence to please report it by calling our non-emergency number, 480-503-6500, through our online tip site, or through the appropriate police jurisdiction of where the incident occurred. And as always, if anyone in our community witnesses violent or harmful behavior in the moment, we ask you to please immediately call 911. 

School district incident reporting channels:

• Gilbert Public Schools: www.gilbertschools.net/tip
• Chandler Unified School Districts: Speak Up for Safety speakup@gse.cusd80.com (480) 573-8808
• Higley Unified School District: (480) 279-SAFE or email SAFE.hotline@husd.org

I know our department is thankful that the community has come together to support seeking justice for Preston Lord and any other victims. It can be frustrating waiting for additional information and charging decisions. It may seem at times as if action isn’t being taken but I can assure you that everyone here is working hard to ensure that anyone who has committed a crime in Gilbert is held accountable and we will continue to support the Queen Creek Police Department's investigation into the death of Preston Lord." 

The Gilbert Police Department would like to provide the latest information on its ongoing investigations into incidents of teen violence. Updates on the investigation on the death of Preston Lord will continue to be provided by the Queen Creek Police Department as they are the agency with jurisdiction over the case.

Gilbert PD currently has eight active investigations related to teen violence; four reopened investigations and four previously unreported to the department and recently received via online tips.

Gilbert PD takes any incidents involving violence seriously and, as part of a thorough review of past assault cases and arrests involving youth, we are looking to see if there is any additional information or correlation between these incidents that can assist us with our past and current investigations.

As part of this process, Gilbert PD’s Street Crimes Unit is working with the Arizona Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), the Mesa Police Department Gang Unit, the Queen Creek Police Department, the Chandler Police Department, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to thoroughly investigate any individuals self-proclaiming or being affiliated by others as being associated with the term “Gilbert Goons.” Initially, Gilbert PD did not have any reports where the victims or the suspects referred to “Gilbert Goons”; however, in recent information received from victims there are references to their assailants as being associated with “Gilbert Goons.” It is important to note that this investigation will determine if the “Gilbert Goons” can be classified, under Arizona law, as a criminal street gang.

Gilbert PD has been conducting and will continue increased patrols of high traffic areas often frequented by teens, including areas in and around the mall and Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. We appreciate the tips we've received and want to remind you that if you have any videos, photos, or information related to incidents of this nature, to report it to Gilbert PD by calling 480-503-6500 or via our online tip site at glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip.

“We hear and understand the community’s fear and frustration in response to recent incidents involving teen violence.

Last week, the Queen Creek Police Department submitted the names of seven individuals to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in their investigation related to the homicide of Preston Lord. As we await a charging decision, separately, the Gilbert Police Department is thoroughly reviewing its prior cases, incidents, investigations, and calls for service involving teens from the last two years to determine if there are any connections between the individuals and these incidents. Gilbert PD is collaborating with local law enforcement partners to ensure any information that may be relevant in our investigations is shared and we are supportive of Queen Creek’s ongoing investigation to seek justice for Preston Lord. 

Violence will not be tolerated in our community and I can assure you that all of our resources are being used in our efforts to maintain the safety of our community members, especially our youth. Gilbert PD will continue increased patrols of high traffic areas often frequented by teens, including areas in and around the mall and Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. We appreciate the tips we've received and want to remind you that if you have any videos, photos, or information related to incidents of this nature, to report it to Gilbert PD by calling 480-503-6500 or via our online tip site at glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip.” -Chief Michael Soelberg

Original December 14, 2023 statement 

"I want to acknowledge the fear and frustration that the community is feeling after the tragic deaths of three East Valley teens, Preston Lord in Queen Creek, Hailey Stephens in Casa Grande, and Jamiere Jenkins in Pinal County. We have heard from residents and from people in our neighboring communities about how these incidents, although unrelated, have greatly impacted them due to the violence that has led to the tragic loss of these three youths. Arrests have been made in both the Casa Grande and Pinal County investigations. Queen Creek PD is actively working on their thorough investigation and providing community updates as it progresses. 

Recent alleged incidents of teen violence in Gilbert have heightened community awareness and we want to make it known that we condemn any violence within our community. I want to reassure our community members that we will do everything we can to successfully investigate and prosecute those who have committed any acts of violence in Gilbert. Social media and media reports allege that there have been police investigations involving a group of Gilbert individuals that have been targeting teens in the East Valley identified as the “Gilbert Goons”, a term of which Gilbert PD was made aware of via recent social media references. What we know at this time is that Gilbert PD does not have police reports from victims or suspects associating or connecting the named group to any alleged reported criminal activity in our community. Gilbert PD has investigated and will continue to investigate all reported incidents and take the proper actions to ensure any concerning behaviors or crimes are addressed promptly.

We want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring our community’s safety and we encourage any concerns or relevant information regarding these or other incidents of this nature to be shared directly with Gilbert PD by calling 480-503-6500, or the appropriate jurisdiction, to avoid potentially creating online confusion or misinformation. More importantly, providing information directly to the police department on these incidents will ensure proper follow up and/or investigation is conducted so that justice will be provided to the victims and their families. Gilbert PD will continue to work on teen safety education via our school resource officers, a dedicated crime prevention team, and the department's social media channels." -Chief Michael Soelberg

Read Gilbert Town Council's Statement

Over the past year, Gilbert Police Officers noticed an increase of incidents of assaults involving juveniles at the In-N-Out in Gilbert; however, while the location was similar, according to our reports, each incident involved different individuals.  Throughout the last year, our patrol teams were directed to increase their patrols of these locations, which also included assigning officers to the area at and around the business.  There were never any documented references in our reports to the group “Gilbert Goons”. 

The Gilbert Police Department analyzed calls for service between 2020 and 2023 at the In-N-Out located near Market Street.

The document linked below breaks down the total calls per year and by categories including proactive police patrols of the business, calls related to teenagers, and other calls not related to teenagers.

2020 to 2023 Calls For Service 2449 S Market

Gilbert is one of the safest large cities in the country. In 2022 and 2023, Gilbert PD responded to 375,568 calls for service across our community. Of those calls for service, incidents of teen violence made up less than .07% of our total calls for service. Every call for service matters and Gilbert PD has and will continue to investigate reports of crimes and hold offenders accountable as we seek justice for victims.

Before Preston Lord's death, Gilbert PD made 13 arrests related to incidences of teen violence that occurred between February 2022 until his death in October 2023.

 Since January 2024,  there have been 26 additional arrests made for a total of 41 arrests.

In order to make an arrest in any police investigation, probable cause must be documented through information and evidence gathered in the investigation. Arrests are made when there is sufficient probable cause and evidence. 

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the findings of the group teen violence gang investigation were announced by Gilbert PD, Chandler PD, Queen Creek PD, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mesa PD, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

Preston Lord’s death highlighted the issue of teen violence that has affected so many of our communities. That is why this has been a united effort by our respective law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate these group teen violence cases in each of our jurisdictions.

Important Definitions:

Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.8) defines a “Criminal street gang” as a formal or informal “association” of people who collectively or individually commit or attempt to commit any felony crime. At least one member of the association must be a street gang member. 

Per Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.9), a "Criminal street gang member" means an individual to whom at least two of the following seven criteria that indicate criminal street gang membership apply:  

a.     Self-proclamation.  

b.     Witness testimony or official statement.  

c.     Written or electronic correspondence.  

d.     Paraphernalia or photographs.  

e.     Tattoos.  

f.      Clothing or colors.  

g.     Any other indicia of street gang membership

This above criteria is needed to establish an individual as criminal street gang member.

Gang intelligence information is restricted pursuant to 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 23, Intelligence Information. Due to these Federal restrictions, gang intelligence information cannot be shared with the public.

These federal regulations serve as guidelines for law enforcement agencies. It contains implementing standards for operating federally funded, multi-jurisdictional criminal intelligence systems.

It is important to know that it is not a crime in itself to be a gang member.

In order to charge a gang member with “Participating in or assisting a criminal street gang,” the evidence must demonstrate that the criminal act was committed to promote or further the criminal objectives of the criminal street gang.

Through the collaborative efforts by all the agencies you see here today, detectives have concluded that the group known as the “Gilbert Goons” has met the requirements to be documented as a criminal street gang as set forth by Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.8, Criminal Street Gang).

All of the law enforcement agencies have reviewed their investigations involving identified members of this gang and based on the information available at this time, there is not sufficient evidence to submit additional charges of “Participating in or assisting a criminal street gang”.

It is important to note that although the criteria has not been met at this time, the gang intelligence information is available to the County Attorneys as supplemental information that may assist with their prosecutions or sentencing upon conviction.  

As with any investigation, if further information or evidence is discovered, it will be reviewed to determine if additional charges are warranted. We again ask for any community members who have information related to teen violence to please immediately contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. 

Another important clarification needs to be made. Although the “Gilbert Goons” now have been designated as a gang, they are classified as a hybrid gang.

The "Gilbert Goons" was established in the Town of Gilbert, but members of the Gilbert Goons live in various east valley cities.  

In its early stages, this hybrid gang primarily consisted of individuals who attended east valley schools, who participated in underage drinking, and the use of illicit drugs.  

The group ranged in size, and initially its members participated in a "fight club" type of agreement. 

Over time, members engaged in other criminal behaviors.  

East Valley agencies had prior knowledge of another group of individuals from various east valley cities identifying themselves as “Jack Boy Mafia” or “JBM”.  

Our agencies took prior and extensive enforcement action on this group. What’s important to know today is that information received through this investigation officially categorized them as a criminal hybrid gang. 

A Hybrid Gang is defined as having:  

 A Traditional Gang is defined as having:  

None of these combined investigations by any of these agencies has shown the necessary evidence to support charging “participating in or assisting a criminal street gang." 

To charge participating in a criminal street gang, you must prove the involved subject(s) committed the felony offense in furtherance of the criminal street gang.

Moving forward we will continue to work together to ensure our communities remain safe and while we have concluded our gang investigation, we stand united in combatting gang activity and violence in the East Valley. 

This investigation was conducted by the Queen Creek Police Department. Any questions regarding this investigation should be sent to QCPD.

Reports can be filed by phone via Gilbert PD’s non-emergency line at 480-503-6500, at the Gilbert Police Department central station located at 75 East Civic Center Drive (Open 24/7), or by visiting our San Tan substation located at 2332 E. Queen Creek Road (Open Monday - Thursday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Tips can also be submitted through our online tip form.

School districts in Gilbert have ways students can report information on safety concerns:

• Gilbert Public Schools: www.gilbertschools.net/tip
• Chandler Unified School Districts: Speak Up for Safety speakup@gse.cusd80.com (480) 573-8808
• Higley Unified School District: (480) 279-SAFE or email SAFE.hotline@husd.org

Gilbert PD is continuing our efforts of increased patrol of high traffic areas often frequented by youth, including areas in and around the mall and Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. We ask that anyone who sees any suspicious activity or behavior to immediately report it to Gilbert PD by calling the non-emergency line at 480-503-6500 or 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Questions can be submitted to gpdcommunity@gilbertaz.gov