Help Identify An Assault/Burglary Suspect

On Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at about 1:30 AM, Mesa Police received a 911 call from a woman reporting an intruder in her apartment at 2121 W. Main St. in Mesa.  The victim, a 33-year-old female, reported she was in her third-floor apartment watching television, when she heard her patio glass slider open.  She observed an unknown African-American male entering her apartment without permission.  The male asked her if anyone else was in the apartment and told her to remain quiet.  As the suspect checked the bedroom for anyone else, the victim ran out onto the patio area, and began to yell for help.  The suspect attempted to pull the victim back inside the apartment and told her to be quiet.  As the victim continued to yell for help, the suspect ran out through the victim’s front door and fled on foot.

Suspect description:

African-American male in his mid-20’s approximately 5’11” tall and 150 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a charcoal grey shirt and light color shorts with shoulder length braided hair pulled back in a hair tie.  See attached composite drawing: 

If you recognize this female suspect, please contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

Arson Arrest

Suspect Steven Ben Hines

On November 12, 2017, 51-year-old Steven Ben Hines, was arrested for multiple counts of arson in the City of Mesa. The Genoa Lakes Apartments, located at 3320 E. University Dr. in Mesa, had been the victim of multiple, intentionally set, dumpster fires over the past month. Detectives from the Red Mountain Patrol District set up surveillance at the apartment complex and were present when another arson occurred on site. Detectives located and individual later identified as Steven Ben Hines, who they suspected of possibly being involved. After further investigation and questioning, Hines admitted to setting five (5) dumpster fires since October 25. Hines, a resident of the complex, admitted to setting the fires, because he was unhappy with the apartment complex management and wanted to get people to move out.