Mesa Police arrest serial sexual assault suspect

Mesa, AZ – In the evening on August 29, 2021, the Mesa Police Department arrested and booked Carl L. Creamer (DOB: 7-27-1977) on multiple counts of sexual assault, aggravated assault, kidnapping, one count of attempted sexual assault and one count of sex abuse.

Mesa Police investigators began working this case on August 16, 2021, when the first victim came forward.  This victim reported being sexually assaulted at gunpoint.  Ten days after the initial victim came forward a second, independent victim, came forward and reported she was the victim of a violent attempted sexual assault where the suspect struck her on the head with a handgun before she was able to escape.

Investigators quickly linked the cases due to the similarities in the suspect description, violent tendencies of the suspect and the suspect vehicle described by both victims.  During a canvass of the area where the first sexual assault occurred surveillance video was obtained depicting a gold colored 2000’s model Ford F-150 pickup truck with several distinctive decals attached to its rear window.  The license plate number was not readable in the surveillance video.

Investigators tirelessly conducted follow-up on the information obtained from video surveillance and victim testimony but were unable to positively identify a suspect.  After exhausting all viable leads a crime bulletin was released to the public that received local media coverage.  From the release of the bulletin tips were called into the Mesa Police Department.  Through a tip, a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup truck, with decals in the rear window, matching the description given by victims was identified.  This vehicle was registered to Carl Creamer.

Through a photo line-up Creamer was positively identified as the suspect by one of the victims.  Creamer’s truck was later located by investigators in the 4800 block of S. 23^rd Ave. in Phoenix.  When located the decals had been removed from the rear window of the truck and the truck’s tailgate was in the down position obscuring the license plate.  While conducting surveillance on the residence where the truck was located Creamer was seen leaving in a different vehicle.  A traffic stop was conducted by detectives and Creamer was taken into custody without incident.

Creamer declined to speak with investigators and was booked into jail on the above-mentioned charges.  During the service of search warrants on Creamer’s apartment in Mesa, the residence in Phoenix, his truck and the vehicle he was stopped in several items of evidence were collected to include a tan colored handgun matching the description of the weapon used in the crimes, a specific t-shirt described by victims worn by Creamer during the commission of the crimes, and the decals that were removed from the truck.  Other evidence was video of the truck being at both locations where the crimes were committed and the fact both victims, who did not know each other, told matching stories during interviews with detectives. 

This investigation and arrest of this violent serial sexual assault suspect is a prime example of the Mesa Police Department’s relentless crime fighting model.  The Mesa Police Department members that were involved in this investigation include the Mesa Family Advocacy Center/Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Violent Offender Unit, Gang Unit, Central Patrol District Bike Team, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Specialists and the Mesa Police Crime Lab staff.  They all tirelessly worked this investigation until this suspect was identified, located and arrested.  But, let us also recognize the crime fighting partners that assisted in the identification of this violent suspect.  The community members that provided the tips and the Mesa Police Department’s partners in the media that assisted in getting vital information out to their viewers and listeners.  This teamwork/partnership with the Mesa Police Department all assisted in identifying and locating Creamer, ultimately leading to his arrest.

Carl Creamer

East Valley Human Trafficking Task Force August 2021

In conjunction with the Mesa Police Department’s Operation Summer Project 2021, the East Valley Human Trafficking Task Force (EVHTTF) hosted a “Buyer Reduction” operation on August 5^th and 6^th on South Country Club Drive and the US 60 in Mesa.

This operation brought numerous resources together to combat human sex trafficking and crime in the area.  

Eighteen arrests were made over the two days for adult prostitution unless otherwise noted below. The East Valley Human Trafficking Task Force will continue working diligently to reduce human sex trafficking and crime in the east valley.

The following agencies that participated in this human sex trafficking reduction operation were: The Arizona Attorney general’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Mesa Police Department, Scottsdale Police Department, and the Tempe Police Department.

Operation Summer Project 2021- Mid-Point Recap

We are 5 weeks into Operation Summer Project 2021 (OSP 2021), which was our initiative to combat violent crime as it was predicated to increase nationally. Using criminal intelligence provided by crime analysts, new target areas were selected every week with officers saturating the area to conduct proactive criminal investigations. OSP 2021 began the week of June 30, 2021.

As of July 31, 2021, officers have made 1102 traffic stops and 360 arrests (185 felony and 175 misdemeanor). Thirty-three firearms have been seized and 21 search warrants have been served. An impressive number of illegal drugs were removed from Mesa streets to include 1417.3g Methamphetamine, 340g Marijuana, 77.2g Cocaine, 34g Heroin, and 2,569 Fentanyl pills. 

Some significant arrests were made during the last five weeks and some highlights are as follows: 

Officers arrested 27-year-old Darvina Lee for Aggravated Assault-DV after she stabbed her boyfriend in the face. She is being held on $100,000 bond. 

20-year-old Carlos Perez Camacho (left) and 21-year-old Emmanuel Flores (right) were arrested for numerous drug charges, including sales. Officers seized 500 Fentanyl pills and 42g of Methamphetamine. They are being held on $100,000 cash bonds.

Officers arrested 34-year-old Timothy Robertson on a warrant for 2cts Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Bond is $100,050.

40-year-old Mike Dennee was taken into custody for possession of 2lbs of Methamphetamine for sale and possession of an AR-15 rifle by a prohibited possessor, amongst other drug and weapons charges.

Officers arrested 37-year-old Arnulfo Sarabia on a Grand Jury warrant where he held a gun to the victim’s head and robbed him of his belongings and vehicle. Bond is set at $30,000. 

21-year-old Joshua Mena was taken into custody for multiple residential burglaries where he would steal firearms. He is being held without bond.

Officers arrested probation absconder, 47-year-old Adam Nicolia. He had a warrant for child fondling with a bond of $1,000,000.  

27-year-old Brent Lourus stole items from Home Depot and then pulled a knife on loss prevention, threatening to stab them. He was located during OSP 2021 and arrested. Bond is $7500. 

Officers arrested 39-year-old David Armando for a child molestation warrant. Bond is $1,000,000. 

26-year-old Dane Smith was taken into custody after firing multiple rounds from a handgun at officers initiating a traffic stop. Bond is $200,500. 

As you can see, in just five weeks, our officers made substantial headway to combat violent crime in Mesa. Operation Summer Project 2021 has shown that this initiative is working. We will continue to strategically target high crime area to successfully reduce violence amongst our community. We look forward to providing further statistics as the project moves forward. 

Porter Park Murder Suspect Arrested

On June 9, 2021, just before 5:00 a.m. Mesa Police Officers responded to Porter Park, located at 420 E. 8^th St., for reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found 42-year-old Tyrone Francisco with gunshot wounds to his body. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. 

One witness told officers that two men, one of which was known to him, approached he and the victim in the park. This witness said that the man he did not know began cursing and yelling at them. As Tyrone walked away from the confrontation, the man shot him.   

On July 27, 2021, officers located both men and interviewed them.  21-year-old, Sean Newton, admitted to officers that he shot and killed Tyrone. He told officers that Tyrone presented a knife and lunged at him.

Sean was booked into jail for one count Second Degree Homicide, ARS 13-1104A2, a class 1 felony. He is being held on a $500,000 bond. 

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.      

Man Arrested at Colonade Motel

On July 11, 2021, just after 1:00 a.m., Mesa Police Officers responded to the Colonade Motel, located at 5440 E. Main Mesa, AZ for a person threatening with a knife. When officers arrived, they found and detained 29-year-old Corey Tyner.

While looking for additional victims inside the motel room, officers observed several boxes of ammunition, a firearm with a drum magazine (found to be illegally converted into a fully automatic weapon), and drug paraphernalia within reach of Corey’s three children.

One juvenile witness told officers that Corey entered their motel room and hid a firearm and a bag of “blue pills” under the kitchen sink. These items were removed by officers and Corey admitted to putting them there, saying that this motel room was his friend’s and that he entered after not receiving an answer when he knocked.

Corey told officers that he recently got released from prison in Oklahoma, that he is a convicted felon, and a prohibited possessor. He chose to hide the firearm in his friend’s motel room after learning the police had been called. He also admitted to the blue pills (Fentanyl) as belonging to him.

Corey was booked into jail for the following charges and is being held on a $5000 bond.

1^st Degree Burglary, ARS 13-1508A, a class 2 felony

Narcotic Drug Sales, ARS 13-3408A2, a class 2 felony

Tampering with Evidence, ARS 13-2809A1, a class 6 felony

Endangerment-DV, ARS 13-1201A, a class 6 felony

Possession of Weapon by Prohibited Possessor (2 Counts), ARS 13-3102A4, a class 4 felony

Misconduct Involving Weapons, ARS 13-3102A3, a class 4 felony

Narcotic Drug Possession, ARS 13-3408A1, a class 4 felony

Possession of Defaced Weapon, ARS 13-3102A7, a class 6 felony

Corey Tyner Mug Shot

Firearm found in baby carrier in Corey's motel room.

Homicide Suspect Arrested

On June 27, 2021 around 6:43 a.m., Mesa Police Officers responded to a shots fired call at the Frontier Motel, located at 1307 E. Main Mesa, AZ. When officers arrived, they located 28-year-old Michael Gonzalez dead with gunshot wounds. 

27-year-old Stevie Jones was identified as an investigative lead and was detained along with his girlfriend on June 28, 2021. After interviews were complete, officers learned that Jones initially fired his handgun at Michael through the glass of the hotel room before following him and firing several more rounds, killing him in the parking lot. 

Stevie Jones II was booked into jail for the following charges: 

First Degree Murder- ARS 13-1105A1, a class 1 felony

Misconduct Involving Weapons- ARS 13-3102A4, a class 4 felony

MESA PD LAUNCHES OPERATION SUMMER PROJECT 2021

As the national trend of violent crime continues to increase, the City of Mesa is not immune to the increase in violence. Unfortunately, gun related violence, aggravated assaults, and homicides are also trending upward. Year to date City of Mesa homicides are up 125% when compared to the first six months of last year. The Mesa Police Department is committed to the safety of the community through proactive work with our residents, identifying crime trends through data analysis, and increased officer presence where residents live, work, and play. 

To help address the elevated level of violent crime in 2021, the Mesa Police Department has developed an initiative called “Operation Summer Project 2021”. This project aims to reduce violent crime through enforcement, education, and critical analysis of victimology, repeat offenders, and environmental factors that contribute to the commission of violent crime. Our Community Engagement Division and Commanders will be engaged in neighborhood outreach and special events to bring us together as a community. 

The goal of OSP 2021 is to suppress violent crime in the City of Mesa and improve the quality of life and safety for our community. To maintain transparency in our community, we will share summary reports with results during the operational period. 

Every day, a new focus area will be identified with concentrated enforcement efforts based on criminal intelligence provided from crime analysts. This project is estimated to run from 60-90 days, starting the week of June 28, 2021. 

A project of this magnitude requires team effort from several areas of the police department. We will be utilizing officers from Patrol, Traffic, Aviation, Bikes, Gangs, Narcotics, Crisis Response Team, K-9 officers, and many more. Officers will be focused on finding violent criminal probationers, top violent crime offenders, and known subjects with warrants in high density violent crime areas. 

By conducting concentrated police work and through a strong community partnership, we will reduce violent crime and promote the safety and well-being of all residents in the City of Mesa.

If you have any information about violent crime, call the Mesa Police Department and 480-644-2211 or Silent Witnessat 480-W-I-T-N-E-S-S, 480-948-6377, or 480-T-E-S-T-I-G-O for Spanish speaking. Silent Witness pays up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest of indictment.

Thieves Steal Over $100,000 in Merchandise from Walmart Stores

Two suspects have been arrested after months of stealing from Walmart stores in several western states. Mary Garcia, age 47, and Melinda Rodriguez, age 38, were arrested on June 17, 2021 and face numerous counts of Organized Retail Theft.

The investigation began in March of 2021 when Walmart Loss Prevention noticed a series of suspicious transactions involving an in-store scanning app.  The suspects would enter the stores and scan the items using a smart phone in order to use the quick pay at the checkout.  The problem was once they reached the checkout, payment was bypassed, and they simply walked out with the unpaid merchandise.  By using the app, the suspect gave the appearance that they were paying for the items.

Working with Walmart Loss Prevention, the suspects were tracked using the same tactic for thefts in Arizona, California, Utah, Colorado and Texas.  In Maricopa County alone, Garcia was responsible for approximately $72,000 and Rodriguez approximately $34,000 in stolen items.

Thanks to the strong partnership between Walmart and the Mesa Police Department, thefts like this are not overlooked.  Thefts of this type can cause retailers to raise prices to compensate for loss. By arresting thieves who steal large amounts of merchandise, prices are kept at bay for the everyday honest consumer.

Mary Garcia

Melinda Rodriguez

A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER

June 13^th was going to be an amazing day for 10-year-old Thaime Sanchez; it was her birthday. She was going to have a party. She was going to open presents. She was going to have fun. Or so she thought. 

The day before, a fire began outside her home. Thaime and her 14-year-old sister, Heidi Sanchez, alerted their mother, but it was too late. The fire grew and quickly took over their apartment, leaving Thaime with nothing to celebrate. 

Mesa Police Officers felt the devastation experienced by Thaime and her family and wanted to help ease the pain in a special way. Officer Paramo contacted Thaime’s mother. He asked her what items were lost in the fire that were important to Thaime and what she would like for her birthday.    

Within one hour, Officer Paramo collected $400 from officers impacted by this story. 

Officer Kelly and Officer Tulkki assisted Officer Paramo on a shopping spree through Target, located at Longmore/ Southern. Curiosity grew from Target employees as they watched uniformed officers shop in the children’s section. After hearing what the officers intended, the Target Manager insisted on buying the gifts the officers picked out on behalf of the store. In addition, Target provided two push scooters for Thaime and Heidi. The remaining $400 was put on a gift card for Thaime’s mother.    

In conjunction with MFD Engine 202 and one of their medic units, officers arranged a time to present the gifts to Thaime and her family. In parade-like fashion, 7 police vehicles, one fire engine, and one medic vehicle approached the awaiting family. 

Our thoughts are with this family and hope that these gifts show you are not alone. The officers, firefighters, and your community are here for you. Special thanks to Officer Paramo for putting the wheels into motion and truly brightening the day of this family.  Happy Birthday Thaime!!!

Heidi, Thaime, and Officer Paramo

This story was covered by Telemundo! You can view it here...

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