2-Day Recap

Welcome to Friday!  What a week it has been for the Mesa Police Department… more specifically July 20-21, 2021. Let’s look at three cases involving our officers in those two days.   

On July 20, 2021, we had an officer involved shooting at the 4100 block of S. Neptune. No one was injured in the shooting, but 32-year-old Dominic Alvarez was taken into custody for Reckless Discharge of a Firearm-DV and Threats-DV. Officers responded to this residence after receiving multiple 911 calls for a domestic violence situation inside the home. They heard a gunshot from inside the residence and one officer observed Dominic point an AR-15 in his direction.  This is when the officer fired one round through the window of the home. Dominic was not shot, but self-surrendered without further incident after the officer involved shooting occurred. 

Dominic Alvarez Mug Shot

On July 21, 2021, we had officers around 80^th St/ Baseline for Operation Summer Project 2021. The officers were looking for 26-year-old Dane Smith. Dane was wanted for Theft of Means of Transportation as well as two outstanding warrants. After officers found Dane, they initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle Dane was in did not stop and officers watched as Dane fired rounds from a handgun at officers through the back window of the vehicle. Multiple bullets hit the officer’s vehicle in addition to three occupied houses. Eventually, the vehicle stopped.  Dane and the driver, 53-year-old Thomas Elliot, took off running. Both men were located and taken into custody. Neither suspect was injured, and officers never fired their weapons.   

Dane Smith Mug Shot- held on $200,500 bond

Thomas Elliot Mug Shot- held on $5,500 bond

Another call that took place on this day involved a vehicle purposely set on fire. Officers responded to Dobson Ranch Library, located at 2425 S. Dobson, and contacted 25-year-old Christopher Alvarado. Christopher told officers he was upset the vehicle would not start, so he set it on fire. The vehicle was next to multiple trees and a public library. Christopher was arrested for Arson of Property and Reckless burning.

Christopher Alvarado Mug Shot

These are just a few cases Mesa Police Officers have handled in just 48 hours. Between July 20-21, 2021, officers responded to 1,372 calls for service and booked 29 people into jail.