Fingerprint Analysis Leads to Burglary Suspects in Custody

On October 1, 2021, around 6:30 a.m., Mesa Police Officers responded to a burglary at an apartment located at 960 W. Southern Mesa, AZ. A witness told officers that he watched two people take items from the apartment through a broken bedroom window and then load them into a white Chevy S10 pickup truck with a camper shell over the bed.

When officers arrived, the suspects had already fled, but officers were able to collect several pieces of evidence left behind, to include latent prints.

The victim described the stolen items with such detail, some of which were old family heirlooms, allowing officers to search for these items at local pawn shops.

On October 3, 2021, one item was located at a shop that obtained the subject’s photo ID and fingerprint as part of the transaction. This subject was identified as 36-year-old William Cloutier.

In addition, another item from the burglary was pawned at the same shop by a different subject, identified as 30-year-old Frederick Fernandez, who also submitted a photo ID and print.

On October 5, 2021, Fernandez pawned six additional stolen items from the burglary at a different pawn shop that also obtained his photo ID and print as part of the transaction process.

On October 6, 2021, officers learned that the latent print taken from the broken window matched the print of Fernandez.

On October 12, 2021, Cloutier pawned three more stolen items from the burglary at a third pawn shop. Like the other two, this pawn shop also required a photo ID and fingerprint to complete the transaction.

Cloutier and Fernandez were taken into custody on October 13, 2021. Both men admitted to committing the burglary and pawning the items for money.

While Cloutier was left alone in an interview room, he voiced to officers that he wanted to “go outside” and said, “I’m not staying in here.” Cloutier used a chair to stand up on and began pulling ceiling tiles down from the roof, causing about $1000 worth of damage.

William Cloutier was booked into jail for the following charges and held on a $2500 bond:

1 count ARS 13-1507A- 2^nd Degree Burglary, a class 3 felony

2 counts ARS 13-2307B- Trafficking Stolen Property, a class 2 felony

1 count ARS 13-2503A2- Escape in the 2^nd Degree, a class 5 felony

1 count ARS 13-1602A1- Criminal Damage, a class 6 felony

William Cloutier Mug Shot

Fernandez told officers that he still had a computer from the victim’s apartment at his residence. Officers wrote and served a search warrant, thus recovering the computer for the victim.

Frederick Fernandez was booked into jail for the following charges and held on a $10,550 bond:

1 count ARS 13-1507A- 2^nd Degree Burglary, a class 3 felony

2 counts ARS 13-2307A- Trafficking Stolen Property, a class 2 felony

1 active MCSO Warrant

Frederick Fernandez Mug Shot

The victim in this case sent a gift basket of snacks and a personalized message to Detective Slade, who had been the point of contact in this case. Appreciation also goes out to Officer McCullough, Detective Vail, and Detective Zuczek who worked this case diligently until the suspects were apprehended.  

Detective Zuczek and Detective Slade

Officer McCullough

Mesa PD Will Not Tolerate TikTok Challenge

The Mesa Police Department was recently made aware of upcoming monthly TikTok School Challenges.  One of the challenges stood out to us more than the others.  The challenge to “Smack a staff member on the backside” was very concerning.  No matter how innocent you may think a smack on the backside of a school staff member is…it is not!  It is the crime of Aggravated Assault, a felony.  Not only can you be seriously disciplined by your school, but you can be charged and arrested for a serious criminal offense.  If you want to check it out for yourself the law is called Aggravated Assault, ARS 13-1204.A8(d).  It can be found at https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01204.htm.  

Simply put, if someone knowingly assaults a teacher or other person employed by any school while they are performing their official duties, they just committed an aggravated assault.  And yes, a smack on the back side would be considered an aggravated assault that would be investigated by the Mesa Police Department.  So, if you want some common-sense advice from the Mesa Police Department that advice is “Don’t do it.” 

If you are a student, please responsibly use the social media platforms you have access to and understand that there are consequences, sometimes criminal consequences, to posting inappropriate and threatening posts.  Remember it is more likely for you to be criminally charged for following through with a social media prank than the person who posted it. 

If you are a parent, please take the time to talk to your children and discuss with them the importance of responsible social media use and that there are consequences to following through with inappropriate and/or illegal social media posts or suggestions.

Operation Heavy Metal

During the summer of 2021, the Mesa Police Department and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office conducted an undercover operation to combat the surge in catalytic converter thefts in the City of Mesa. The operation involved undercover officers purchasing used and stolen catalytic converters from several suspects. Officers also sold catalytic converters to a suspect who bought them believing they were stolen.

In total, six suspects were identified with three arrested for a variety of criminal charges. The other three suspects have charges pending. The suspect who purchased the catalytic converters from undercover officers was also charged with commercial burglary at an auto recycler in Mesa. In this burglary, 141 catalytic converters were stolen with a value of over $40,000. This burglary also caused over $50,000 of damage to the property of the victim.

The Mesa Police Department is working diligently to combat the rising number of catalytic converter thefts in the city. This is a growing trend in the state and the City of Mesa is no exception. The following is statistical information on catalytic converter thefts in the City of Mesa from 2018 to present.

·         There were 2 stolen catalytic converter cases in 2018

 

·         There was 1 stolen catalytic converter case in 2019

 

·         There were 69 stolen catalytic converters cases in 2020

 

·         There have been 431 catalytic converter cases through 09/19/2021

In addition to this undercover operation, the Mesa Police Department also assisted in a catalytic converter marking event on September 13^th and 14^th where tips were given to the community on how to prevent the theft of their catalytic converter. Citizens had their catalytic converters etched to track and prevent theft of the catalytic converter in the future. Over 250 vehicles were able to have this process completed over a two-day period.

The Mesa Police Department is committed to working with our community partners to combat this issue.

 

Mesa Public Schools Employee Arrested

On May 10, 2021, the Mesa Police Department initiated an investigation into an inappropriate relationship between a Mesa Public Schools employee and a previous student from Skyline High School.  The victim, now 24 years old, came forward and reported to investigators that between the summer of 2012 through approximately October 2012 he was victimized by the suspect in this case, 39-year-old Jacob Zamora.  

When the victim was 15 years old and attending Skyline High School, Zamora was 30 years old. The victim told officers that he had multiple sexual encounters with Zamora and these encounters all occurred at the victim’s house. 

On September 2, 2021, investigators met with Zamora and conducted an interview.  During the interview Zamora admitted to having a sexual relationship with the victim in 2012 and to performing multiple sex acts involving the victim when he was a minor. 

Based on the testimony of the victim and Zamora, Mesa Police Investigators arrested and booked Zamora on 3 counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor, a class 6 felony. 

Zamora is an auditorium manager at Skyline High School in Mesa.  He assists with lighting and stage events that occur at the auditorium at the school.  When Mesa Public Schools was advised of Zamora’s criminal allegations, he was assigned to home duties pending the outcome of Mesa Public Schools investigation into the matter. 

Based on Zamora’s history with this victim and him working in a school environment, investigators believe there is a possibility other students may have been victimized.  

The Mesa Police Department is asking anyone with information of similar type incidents involving Zamora to please contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211.

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.