SE Valley Times

Gilbert, AZ - 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 that 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.

Additional updates and information can be found at gilbertaz.gov/TeenInvestigations

Original source can be found here.