Vehicle Burglary Prevention Tips

Vehicle burglaries often occur at night when people are sleeping and the burglar can sneak around in the darkness without being noticed. They also occur in parking lots in the middle of the day. These crimes are often preventable. How can you protect your vehicle from being burglarized? Following these simple guidelines will make your vehicle less of a target.

• Do not leave any valuables in the vehicle. Out of Sight – Out of Mind. If there is nothing in the vehicle, there is no reason to break in.
• Roll the windows all the way up. Even a window rolled down ‘just a crack’ provides easy access.
• Lock the doors every time you leave the vehicle; even if you only plan to ‘run in for just a minute.' This includes tailgates on pickups. Keep the doors locked when in the garage, too. Keeping your doors locked also prevents small children from becoming trapped in a vehicle if they find an unlocked door and get in to play – this could result in a tragedy in our Arizona heat.
• Set the alarm, if you have one. Most key fobs lock the doors with one press of the ‘lock’ button, but require two immediate presses of the lock button to set the alarm.

A few simple prevention steps will reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary or having your vehicle stolen. Remember, vehicle insurance often does not cover your personal items that are left inside the vehicle when it is burglarized. Paying deductibles for broken windows and stolen items could result in higher insurance premiums. Lock it or lose it!

Quick Thinking Officers Keep DUI Driver From Harming Others

Jessie Huslloimea

On Sunday, June 29th, 2014, at approximately 5:15 PM, Mesa Patrol Officers Smith and Phillips were dispatched to a man passed out at the wheel of a car at 9th Ave and Mesa Dr.  Upon their arrival, they located a red Chevy Impala parked on 9th Ave facing W/B towards Mesa Dr. The driver, later identified as 24 year-old Jessie Huslloimea, was completely unresponsive and the vehicle was still in DRIVE with the engine running. Officer Phillips pulled his police Tahoe in front of the vehicle and Officer Smith pulled his police Tahoe to the rear of the vehicle boxing it in.

They knocked on the window and the driver attempted to accelerate, but fortunately was stopped by the police Tahoe. The driver refused to obey commands and continued trying to leave. Both front windows were broken by Officer Smith and Officer Phillips and the impaired driver was removed by force. He was taken into custody and Mesa Fire responded and medically cleared him. The driver smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot watery eyes, flush face and was belligerent.

He was arrested and booked into jail on DUI charges. This was an outstanding job by both officers who had limited time and came up with an effective plan which potentially saved the life of a citizen. If  not for Officer Phillips putting his police Tahoe in the path of the impaired driver's vehicle, the driver would have drove right out onto Mesa Drive, potentially causing a serious accident.

Great Job!  Way to keep our community safe!

Pharmacy Robberies

From March 25, 2014 through June 22, 2014, two suspects have committed no less than fifteen armed robberies at pharmacies in the East Valley -- Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale. The suspects usually wear surgical masks or cover their faces; in one incident a handgun was displayed. Some of the robberies have occurred at the pharmacy drive through windows.

Suspect #1 is described as a White or Hispanic male, 30-40 years old, 6' to 6'2" tall, medium to heavy build.
Suspect #2 is described as a White male, 22-29 years old, 6' tall, thin build.
Various vehicles have been used, including sport utility vehicles.

If you have any information, please contact Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 or toll free at 1-800-343-TIPS. You can also leave information anonymously at www.silentwitness.org.

Crime Stats - June 2014

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 06/01/2014 through 06/30/2014. FIESTA CENTRAL Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Subjects Disturbing 372 Subjects Disturbing 343 Check Welfare 351 Check Welfare 336 Other Agency Assist 189 Other Agency Assist 246 Suspicious Activity 152 Warrant Arrest 185 Loud Music/Noise 148 Suspicious Activity 162 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 1 Rape 0 Rape 1 Robbery 6 Robbery 4 Aggravated Assault 12 Aggravated Assault 15 Breaking & Entering 6 Breaking & Entering 3 Theft 82 Theft 67 GTA 2 GTA 4 Alcohol/DUI 49 Alcohol/DUI 64 Other Assaults 47 Other Assaults 42 Disorderly Conduct 13 Disorderly Conduct 20 Drugs 53 Drugs 55 Fiscal/Forgery 13 Fiscal/Forgery 15 Loitering/Runaway 6 Loitering/Runaway 10 Sex Offenses 1 Sex Offenses 16 Vandalism 19 Vandalism 24 All Other 127 All Other 253 TOTAL 436 TOTAL 594 RED MOUNTAIN SUPERSTITION Call Type Frequency Call Type Frequency Check Welfare 359 Check Welfare 312 Subjects Disturbing 322 Burglary Alarm 265 Burglary Alarm 251 Subjects Disturbing 234 Other Agency Assist 233 Suspicious Activity 177 Suspicious Activity 202 Other Agency Assist 171 Arrests Frequency Arrests Frequency Homicide 0 Homicide 1 Rape 0 Rape 0 Robbery 3 Robbery 3 Aggravated Assault 14 Aggravated Assault 4 Breaking & Entering 11 Breaking & Entering 5 Theft 96 Theft 75 GTA 0 GTA 0 Alcohol/DUI 86 Alcohol/DUI 61 Other Assaults 54 Other Assaults 21 Disorderly Conduct 19 Disorderly Conduct 21 Drugs 77 Drugs 30 Fiscal/Forgery 13 Fiscal/Forgery 22 Loitering/Runaway 12 Loitering/Runaway 27 Sex Offenses 2 Sex Offenses 5 Vandalism 18 Vandalism 12 All Other 152 All Other 69 TOTAL 557 TOTAL 356

Attempt to Identify Cell Phone Theft Suspects

On June 11, 2014 at 2:15 am, five African American males (pictured) entered the Walmart located at 1606 S. Signal Butte. While three of the subjects stood watch, the other two broke open a glass display case in the electronics department and removed an undisclosed number of cell phones, which were concealed in a plastic bag and a stolen back pack. All subjects fled on foot behind the business. No vehicle description was obtained.

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. Please refer to case number 20141620228.

Arrest Made In Fatal Crash @ Brown / Recker on June 9th

On the morning of Monday, June 9, Mesa PD traffic detectives investigated a double-fatality collision at the intersection of Brown and Recker. Investigators believe a FJ Cruiser, driven by Ingrid Morataya (pictured), slammed into several vehicles that were stopped for a red light at Brown for northbound Recker. At a speed estimated to be approximately 90 mph, the FJ Cruiser rear-ended a Chevy Malibu which then struck another vehicle and side-swiped a 4th vehicle. The two occupants of the Malibu were pronounced deceased at the scene. Morataya exited her vehicle and began acting strangely, exihibiting signs of impairment, before she was transported to the hospital.

On Monday, June 16, Morataya was arrested by our detectives as she was released from the hospital. She has been booked on two counts of Manslaughter, one count each of Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment and Aggravated DUI. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims in this investigation.

Auto Zone Carjacker Back Behind Bars

On June 4th, 2014, shortly before 7 PM, 31 year-old Aaron Miller carjacked a 46 year-old Mesa man who was getting into his vehicle after exiting the Auto Zone at Williams/Main in Mesa.  Miller approached the victim and, at gunpoint, demanded the victim's wallet, car keys, and cell phone.  The victim immediately complied and watched as Miller sped off in his vehicle, a silver 2004 Dodge Intrepid.  The victim was able to get to a phone and call to report the incident.

Mesa Patrol Officers saturated the area and began looking for the stolen vehicle.  Approximately 10 minutes later, the vehicle was located near Hampton/Gilbert in Mesa.  The vehicle was mobile and occupied by a subject matching the description given by our victim.  Patrol officers began closing in on the vehicle which ultimately came to rest in front the Fry's Market Place, located at Gilbert/Baseline in Gilbert. The suspect fled into the store and was ultimately taken into custody without incident by Mesa Patrol Officers.  He was identified by the victim and property belonging to the victim was found in his possession.

In addition, our officers located the victim's cell phone and a handgun believed to be used in the robbery in the parking lot of the store.  We later learned Miller was recently released from the Department of Corrections (DOC) and was currently on supervised probation. He invoked his rights and refused to speak during interview.  Aaron Miller was booked on Armed Robbery, Theft of Means of Transportation, and Prohibited Possession of a Firearm, all felonies.

We are very fortunate that the victim, no innocent bystanders, or any of our officers were not injured during this incident.  It should be noted the victim acted exactly as he should have during this incident.  He gave no resistance and complied with the armed suspect. Once safe, he was able to report the incident and assist officers in the investigation.

Theft of Credit Card

On April 4, 2014 at 2:13am, the male suspect pictured here use the victim's stolen credit card at Circle K for a cigarette purchase. The same suspect used the victim's debit card at multiple locations on the same day.

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. Please refer to report number 20140940677.

Theft - Purse & Credit Cards

On May 14, 2014 at 10:05pm, the victim was shopping in the Walmart at 1955 S Stapley, when the younger of the two female suspects approached her and complimented her on her clothes. This suspect continued to speak with the victim to distract her while the older suspect stole the victim's purse from her cart. Both suspects immediately left the store and went to the CVS at 2005 N Dobson in Chandler. They made 7 attempts to buy Visa gift cards with three of the victim's credit cards; all transactions were declined.

Both suspects are described as Hispanic or "Gypsy" type nationality females. The younger suspect was wearing a striped sundress and appeared to be 30-40 years old with heavy smoker's breath. The second suspect was described as older, late 50s to early 60s with a large nose. The vehicle involved is a green or light blue Ford passenger car.


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 20141340680.

Media Release - Operation Grey Street

On May 23, 2014, members of the Mesa Police Department's Mesa Family Advocacy Center (MFAC) and Special Operations Division initiated Operation Grey Street. This operation was a prostitution sting designed to focus on the sexual exploitation of underage females. During the investigation, Mesa PD detectives identified and arrested four sexual predators looking to engage in sexual activity with females they knew to be underage. The men were each booked into jail on suspicion of conspiracy to commit child prostitution. The Mesa Police Department has been working in close cooperation with the Arizona Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons and the Hickey Foundation to combat this type of criminal activity. The four suspects arrested were: