Animal Abuse - Suspect Arrested

On August 26, 2019 Mesa Police Officers were dispatched to 720 S. Dobson for a report of a male hitting a cat. When Officers arrived they located a deceased cat with obvious fresh injuries. Officers were given a description of the male suspect who was observed committing the crime but were unable to locate and identify the suspect. The investigation remained active and ongoing.

On August 27, 2019 another victim in the same complex came forward reporting a missing cat. The victim reported that on August 26 her window was damaged and there was blood near the window. Officers responded to the call and a second deceased cat was located with obvious injuries. Between the two incidents enough suspect information was provided to identify the suspect as 19 year old Gabriel Molina.

Both victims positively identified Molina as the suspect. Detectives arrived and helped locate and arrest Molina. When he was located he was actively trying to obtain drugs and a kitten from unrelated people. Molina was interviewed and confessed to breaking into the residence and assaulting the two cats. He was ultimately charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Attempted burglary 2nd degree, 2 counts of animal cruelty and 1 count of residential trespassing.

We are proud of each of our Officers and Investigators and the dedication they demonstrated to solving this crime. We extend our condolences to the victims and owners of these pets. If you have information involving Animal Abuse/Cruelty please report it to the Mesa Police Department. We take these crimes seriously and will investigate them thoroughly.

Sex Abuse - Arrest

On January 19, 2019 Mesa Police responded to a sexual abuse call. An adult female victim reported having been sexually abused by an employee while receiving a massage at the Comfort Foot reflexology establishment located at 1116 S Dobson. Investigators developed leads on possible suspects but were ultimately unable to identify the suspect and were told the owner of the establishment was currently in China.

On July 27, 2019 a second victim (unknown to the first) came forward and disclosed being sexually abused by an employee while receiving a massage at the same establishment. Investigators were able to identify a possible suspect who was later identified as 56 year old Sun Songpwng. Sun was positively identified by each of the victims as being the suspect who abused them. Sun was detained and interviewed and ultimately denied the allegations.

Sun has been charged with four counts of Sexual Abuse stemming from both investigations.

Attempt to Identify Theft Suspect

Do you know this man?

On August 5th, 2019 this man entered the AZ Diamond Center on 6555 E Southern Ave in Mesa and asked to look at two princess cut diamonds. On August 7, 2019 he returned to the store and asked to see the same two items and once they were removed he ran out of the store with them. The loss is valued at approximately $36,000.

The suspect is described as a Black Male between 25-30 years old between 6'00 - 6'02 feet tall with a mustache and goatee that do not connect. He has tattoos on his right arm and inner left forearm and may be driving a Black SUV (possibly Chevy with ASU license plate).

If you can help identify him please call the Mesa Police Department non emergency number 480-644-2211

Multiple Sexual Assault/Kidnapping Arrest

On August 11, 2019 Mesa Police responded to a sexual assault call at the Relaxing Massage located at 2702 E University in Mesa. Responding Officers learned the defendant (later identified as Gilbert Anthony Lerma DOB 03/22/2000) had insinuated he wanted a massage and while being alone with the victim, pulled out a hand gun and threatened her. Lerma began to sexually assault the victim causing her to scream as a witness entered the room. Lerma attempted to flee but left his car keys in the building. At that moment Lerma called 911 to report he was a victim of theft from the business.

Responding Officers quickly assessed Lerma’s story was not adding up and located the handgun which had been thrown in a nearby trash can. Lerma was arrested and interviewed and ultimately admitted to this crime. During the investigation detectives identified Lerma as being related to two other similar incidents. One occurred on July 4, 2019 at the Asian Star Massage located at 857 N Country Club. In that incident Lerma used a handgun while sexually assaulting a victim and then stealing money. He was interviewed about this and admitted to being involved.

The third known incident occurred on February 5, 2019 when Lerma approached a female victim at the bus stop at Horne and Southern. He used a handgun to coerce her to get into his vehicle and proceeded to drive to the area of 4500 E Caballero in Mesa near his home. During the drive Lerma sexually abused the victim and when he arrived at his residence, he told her to go inside his house. She refused and ultimately ran to a neighbor asking for help. Officers responded and interviewed the victim and were told what happened. Lerma was contacted and told officers the victim had willingly entered his vehicle asking for a ride. He said she was flirting with him and there was consensual sexual contact in his vehicle. Lerma said he stopped at his home to change and while there, she stole money from his wallet and attempted to flee. He said he chased her causing her to go to a neighbor and call police. The investigating detective was unable to locate surveillance footage or any corroborating evidence to prove or disprove the allegation at that time and the case was inactivated.

As a result of the totality of all three cases, Lerma has been charged with the following:

August 11th Incident (Mesa PD DR 20192230393) - 2 counts of sexual assault (13-1406.A), 1 count of kidnapping (13-1304.A3), 1 count of disorderly conduct (13-2904.A6 - reckless display of a deadly weapon), 1 count of endangerment (13-1201.A - for discarding the loaded handgun in a public area), and 1 count of misconduct involving weapons (13-3102.A1a).

July 4th Incident (Mesa PD DR 20191850393) - 2 counts of sexual assault (13-1406.A), 1 count of kidnapping (13-1304.A3), 1 count of armed robbery (13-1904.A1), 1 count of misconduct involving weapons (13-02.A1a).

February 5th Incident (Mesa PD DR 20190360336) - 2 counts of sexual abuse (13-1404.A), 1 count of kidnapping (13-1304.A3), and 1 count of misconduct involving weapons (13-3102.A1a).