24 Hour Exceptional Incident Report

Structure Fire
On May 28, 2014 at 8:43 am, officers responded to a structure fire in the 11100 block of East Newcastle. Upon arrival, officers found the front of the residence engulfed in flames. Fire personnel responded from Mesa, Apache Junction and Gilbert. Officers learned that a neighbor was passing by when he observed smoke coming from the small golf cart garage next to the residence. The neighbor knocked on the door and the homeowners and pets safely evacuated. The homeowner believed that the fire started from a golf cart parked in the small garage. Mesa Fire investigators responded for follow up; nothing suspicious was observed as this time.

24 Hour Exceptional Incident Report

Armed Robbery
On May 27, 2014, at 8:34 pm, Mesa PD responded to the Osco/Albertson's pharmacy at 441 N. Val Vista reference an armed robbery. It was learned the suspect entered the store and waiting in a small waiting area to the north of the pharmacy, waiting for customers to leave. The suspect approached the pharmacist, providing a demand note for a specific drug and cash. He simulated a weapon, but no weapon was seen. The pharmacist provided the suspect the requested items and the suspect left the store.

The suspect is described as a white male, mid 30s, short (around 5' tall), small build, 130 lbs. Suspect was wearing jeans, a white shirt, black baseball cap pulled down over eyes and holding a white cloth over his face.

Media Release - Public Assistance Needed in Unsolved Homicide

The Mesa Police Department is seeking help from the public to identify a homicide victim and any potential suspect or suspects.

The victim who went by the names Francisco and/or Ignacio was found deceased at approximately 5:45 am on March 27, 2014. He was found lying on the sidewalk next to a bicycle in the 200 block of South Barkley in Mesa with obvious signs of trauma.

The victim was known to frequent the area of South Barkley and at one point did live in the area. At this time, detectives have not been able to positively identify him. He is described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 45 to 60 years old. His nationality cannot be confirmed at this time.

Detectives are still working to identify any suspects and or possible witnesses in this case. Any information, large or small, could be valuable to this investigation. If anyone was in the area of the crime on March 27, 2014 in the early morning hours and saw any suspicious activity or persons, they are encouraged to call the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211, then select option 2, or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (cash reward up to $1000 is available for information leading to the arrest or indictment and your call will remain anonymous).

2014 Memorial Day Sobriety Checkpoint Statistics

This year's event was dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Brandon Mendoza, who was taken from us too soon by an impaired driver.  Over 70 officers and volunteers from 5 different agencies assisted in helping us keep Mesa's roadways safe for our citizens and visitors.  Thank you all.

Vehicles Contacted: 1841

DUI Arrests: 23 (10 - alcohol / 13 - drugs)

Underage Liquor Arrests: 14

Shooting Investigation at 4700 E. Main

Today at about 10:25 AM, our officers responded to the Mesa Regal RV Resort @ 4700 E. Main reference a possible shooting.  Our officers were on scene within a couple of minutes and located a white female victim in her late 40s with multiple wounds.  Preliminary information is that these wounds are probable gunshot and stab wounds. There was indication the suspect was her adult son, a white male in his early 20s.

Workers at this location indicated they saw a subject running westbound from the area of the incident location.  This RV Resort is sparsely populated during the summer months, so there were very few people on site to provide information about the incident. Our officers located a mobile home on the extreme West side of the resort with signs of forced entry.  A perimeter was established and negotiation attempts were initiated.  

After a few hours of no response to escalated contact attempts, entry was made into the mobile home.  Inside we located whom we believe to be our victim's son. He was deceased from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound and there appeared to be a handgun nearby.

Our investigators will obtain search warrants for each of these mobile homes and begin processing the scenes to confirm the above details.  Currently we do not know what preceded the incident or the motive behind the assault.  Our victim was last reported to be in critical condition at a local hospital.

**Update - Saturday, May 24th @ 7:50 AM

- Suspect (deceased): 21 year-old, Mark Samual Taro, ASU student whom lives on campus and was visiting his mother whom resides at incident location. No known criminal history. 

- Victim is still in critical, but stable condition.

- Motive is still unknown. Investigation is ongoing.

----Sgt. Tony Landato----

Five Minutes with the Chief -- 2014-2

In this issue, Chief Milstead talks about Sgt. Brandon Mendoza, the community support, law enforcement and the medical team involved. There is a short tribute to Sgt. Brandon Mendoza at the end of the video.

Armed Robbery at Subway

On May 19 around 1:32am, a white male dressed in all black, including a black mask or bandana covering his face, entered the Subway at 1959 S Power Road. He pointed a handgun at the employee and ordered the employee to give him cash from the register. He was given an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was last seen leaving out the front door. It is unknown if a vehicle or accomplice was involved.

The male is described as having fair skin, 5'7" to 5'9" tall, dressed in black T-shirt, black pants, black shoes with a black bandana covering his face/head.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through the “Submit a Tip” option at www.CrimeReports.com or text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD. You will remain anonymous. You can also call 480-644-2211 and select option 2. Refer to case number 20141390032.

Officer Involved Shooting 5/19/2014

On 5/19/2014 at approximately 6:00pm Mesa Officers responded to 1124 E. McKellips for a report of a man with a gun behind the business.  When officers arrived, they encountered a suspect armed with a shotgun behind the business.  From a position of cover, officers began giving verbal commands to the suspect to drop his weapon.

The suspect did not respond to the commands by lowering the weapon or verbally communicating with the officers.  While the officers were giving commands, the suspect fired at least two rounds from the shotgun striking the back wall of the vacant office building.  When the suspect began firing, two Mesa officers discharged their weapons striking the suspect.  The suspect was disabled and taken into custody at that time.

Medics responded and treated the suspect for his injuries.  He was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.  At last report, his injuries were considered serious, but not life threatening.  No officers or bystanders were injured in the incident.

Due to the suspect being in the hospital, he has not been interviewed to determine a motive for his actions. 

Suspect:

Samuel P. Chamberlain

DOB 9/7/1981

Mesa Resident

Crime Stats - May 2014

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 05/01/2014 through 05/31/2014. FIESTA CENTRAL Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 417 Subjects Disturbing 450 Check Welfare 376 Check Welfare 363 Other Agency Assist 233 Other Agency Assist 240 Loud Music/Noise 210 Suspicious Activity 186 Suspicious Activity 158 Warrant Arrest 179 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 0 Rape 0 Rape 1 Robbery 3 Robbery 2 Aggravated Assault 15 Aggravated Assault 15 Breaking & Entering 6 Breaking & Entering 9 Theft 44 Theft 62 GTA 2 GTA 4 Alcohol/DUI 58 Alcohol/DUI 57 Other Assaults 47 Other Assaults 59 Disorderly Conduct 25 Disorderly Conduct 25 Drugs 40 Drugs 46 Fiscal/Forgery 14 Fiscal/Forgery 10 Loitering/Runaway 5 Loitering/Runaway 4 Sex Offenses 4 Sex Offenses 2 Vandalism 23 Vandalism 23 All Other 135 All Other 255 TOTAL 421 TOTAL 574 RED MOUNTAIN SUPERSTITION Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 426 Check Welfare 328 Check Welfare 385 Subjects Disturbing 252 Burglary Alarm 266 Other Agency Assist 236 Loud Music/Noise 231 Burglary Alarm 232 Suspicious Activity 215 Suspicious Activity 193 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 0 Rape 0 Rape 0 Robbery 2 Robbery 3 Aggravated Assault 10 Aggravated Assault 5 Breaking & Entering 3 Breaking & Entering 8 Theft 79 Theft 68 GTA 0 GTA 0 Alcohol/DUI 57 Alcohol/DUI 64 Other Assaults 35 Other Assaults 38 Disorderly Conduct 27 Disorderly Conduct 22 Drugs 53 Drugs 28 Fiscal/Forgery 7 Fiscal/Forgery 10 Loitering/Runaway 12 Loitering/Runaway 6 Sex Offenses 0 Sex Offenses 1 Vandalism 18 Vandalism 16 All Other 121 All Other 49 TOTAL 424 TOTAL 318

Attempt to Identify: Theft of Credit Card

On March 15 at 10:16 am, the male suspect pictured here used the victim's stolen debit card number at a Circle K (3550 E Main Street) to purchase cigarettes and other items. He also used the number at a Home Depot and Walmart for purchases on the same date.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through the “Submit a Tip” option at www.CrimeReports.com or text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD. You will remain anonymous. You can also call 480-644-2211 and select option 2. Refer to report number 20140140393.

Baby Formula Thieves

On May 5 and May 9 the suspects entered a Walmart (1606 S Signal Butte) and a Target (1525 S Power Rd), stole a tote bag and backpack at each location and filled them with baby formula before leaving the stores. They were seen leaving in a maroon Acura with a temporary tag and a large white Acura symbol on the rear window.

The suspects are described as a white male, short red hair and a white female with medium/long dark hair.

Please submit any information regarding the crime or identity of the suspect(s) through the “Submit a Tip” option at www.CrimeReports.com or text information to 274-637 (CRIMES). Begin your message with MESAPD. You will remain anonymous. You can also call 480-644-2211 and select option 2. Refer to report numbers 20141290528 and 20141310411.

The Mesa Police Department Mourns the Loss of a Fallen Brother

Officer Brandon Mendoza

The men and women of your Mesa Police Department are deeply saddened to report the death of one of your Mesa Police Officers. This morning we mourn with the loving family and friends of Mesa Police Officer Brandon Mendoza, a 13 year veteran of our department, who was killed this morning on his way home from work, by a wrong way driver. Brandon was an exceptional person and officer who has touched the lives of many. We will keep you all posted, as appropriate, on any planned vigils or services. We ask that you keep Brandon's family in your prayers. Thank you.

Justice for the Girl Scouts

On May 7, 2014, Wayne Dubrul was arrested on eight counts of forgery, a class 4 felony.  The charge was related to Dubrul passing counterfeit $50.00 bills to various stores and people.   

On February 23, 2014 Dubrul targeted a group of Girl Scouts selling cookies in front of a business.  He approached the table and purchased one box of cookies for $4.00 and paid with a counterfeit $50.00 bill.  Taking $46.00 in real change, the girls were minus their cookies and their money.  Detectives were able to track down the suspect and tie him to all of the counterfeit money.  

Dubrul was booked for eight counts of forgery related to the bogus $50.00 bills.