Memorial Day DUI Checkpoint Results

 

Memorial Day DUI Checkpoint Results

On Monday, May 30, 2022, after a 2-year break due to COVID, the Mesa Police Department hosted the Memorial Day DUI Checkpoint. The checkpoint was operated from 1 pm to 5 pm in the area of Power and Thomas Roads in Mesa.  A total of 10 police agencies, in collaboration with the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, from across the Valley participated including, Mesa PD, AZ DPS, Gilbert PD, Tempe PD, Scottsdale PD, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Apache Junction PD, ASU PD, Queen Creek PD, and the Arizona State Liquor Board.  Just over 1,400 vehicles came through the checkpoint, with 44 drivers being pulled for field sobriety testing.  A total of 22 DUI arrests were made during this 4-hour window.

Mesa Police Commander Chris Rash shared a reminder to the community, “The most important impact of this event is what cannot be quantified, the fatal and serious injury accidents that were averted and the subsequent pain and suffering that otherwise may have occurred had it not been for the efforts to get these 22 impaired drivers off the road.”

With that said the Mesa Police Department would like to express their sincere appreciation to the partnering police agencies that assisted with this event.  Without their assistance this event would not have been as successful as it was.

Mesa Police Arrest Three for Homicide

 

On March 20, 2022, 18-year-old Chase Lemons was shot and killed in his car in the area of 2200 S. Labelle in Mesa.  An adult male passenger in Lemons’ vehicle was also shot but survived his injuries.  At the time of the homicide a suspect was not able to be identified and there was very little physical evidence to work with at the crime scene.  Through tireless efforts, hard work, and creative investigative techniques, investigators were able to identify and arrest multiple suspects involved in this homicide on May 27, 2022.

During the investigation, multiple search warrants were served, and suspects interviewed. Officers learned that the suspects planned on robbing the victim during an illegal marijuana transaction.  The suspects approached the victim when he was sitting inside his car with an adult male passenger.  The victim attempted to flee the area in his car when one of the suspects opened fire, striking both Lemons and his passenger.  Lemons died several days later in the hospital and the passenger survived his injuries.

The three suspects involved were identified as 18-year-old Richard Mejia, 20-year-old Devon O’Rourke and 19- year-old Isaiah Enriquez.  Enriquez was identified as the shooter.

A firearm matching the caliber of the firearm used to murder Lemons was located and seized as well as cellphone data, which put Enriquez at the scene of the homicide.

This investigation is still on-going; however, probable cause was developed to arrest and book:

Isaiah Enriquez for 1 count First Degree Murder, 1 count Armed Robbery and 1 count Aggravated Assault

Richard Mejia for 1 count First Degree Murder and 1 count Armed Robbery

Devon O’Rourke for 1 count First Degree Murder and 1 count Armed Robbery

In Arizona, if a person’s death occurs in the course of, or in the immediate flight from, the commission of certain crimes, it is considered murder in the first degree.  Since Mejia and O’Rourke were knowingly involved in the robbery of Lemons, which led to his murder, they are also responsible for his death and were charged accordingly with the homicide. This is called the felony murder rule.

Isaiah Enriquez
$2,000,000 bond

Richard Mejia
$1,000,000 bond

 

Devon O'Rourke
$350,000 bond

Mesa Police Catch Thieves in the Act

 

ATM thieves arrested by police

Three men were arrested for a variety of felony charges after police catch them in the act of stealing an ATM machine. The three men were identified as 41-year-old Patrick Intintoli, 57-year-old Mark Bryant, and 53-year-old Brian Groce.

Over the course of the last few months, dating back to November of 2021, Mesa Police have had a series of burglaries where suspect(s) were using stolen construction equipment to forcibly remove ATMs or safes from businesses. The stolen ATMs and safes were removed and later found at different locations after they had been dumped. The stolen construction equipment used in the crimes was always left at the scene. Mesa Detectives were working on at least three cases that all had similar circumstances. In one of the cases, video showed a suspect wearing black and white gloves during the commission of the crime. A single black and white glove was recovered at the crime scene next to a stolen piece of construction equipment. The glove would be the lead that eventually cracked the case. The glove was collected and analyzed for DNA. The DNA profile matched a person in the system named Patrick Intintoli. Detectives were able to get a warrant that showed Intintoli’s phone at three crime scenes, two in Mesa and one in Tempe. Through their investigation, Detectives discovered that Intintoli had also been convicted in 2006 for stealing an ATM with a forklift from a bank.

On May 5^th, 2022, officers were watching Intintoli when they saw him, Bryant, and Groce leave an address in Mesa in two separate cars. Officers followed where they witnessed the three of them steal a trailer from a parking lot and hook it up to their vehicle. They then drove to a construction site where they stole a Caterpillar tractor. All three then drove to a credit union in Pinal County where they used the tractor to remove an ATM from the ground and place it into the stolen trailer. They left the stolen tractor at the scene and returned to an address in Mesa with the stolen trailer and ATM. Groce was observed leaving the house and going to a Home Depot where he bought a saw and high-end cutting blades. When he returned to the house, he was taken into custody along with Intintoli. Bryant was arrested and taken into custody at a nearby address. The stolen trailer and ATM were both recovered.

The hard work of all our Detectives and professional staff led to the arrest of these three men and got them off the street. Mesa Police Detectives are working with several other valley police agencies with similar crimes to determine if more charges could be forthcoming.

The Mesa Police Department would like to recognize everyone involved in these arrests that resulted in solving several criminal cases. It is through their relentless professional crime fighting efforts that these suspects were caught.

 

 

Patrick Intinoli

Brian Groce

Mark Bryant

Officer assists family in need

 

Officer assists family in need

On February 9th, 2022, Officer Rainey was on patrol and came across a woman, Shylah Porter, in her broken down vehicle with two of her young children inside. 

When Officer Rainey approached Mrs. Porter, she immediately began to cry and told Officer Rainey that her vehicle had broken down while she was driving on the freeway. Officer Rainey helped Mrs. Porter  move her vehicle to a safe location at a gas station nearby. She then transported Mrs. Porter and her two young children to their home.

After making sure that they were safe at home, Officer Rainey contacted an organization called  Angels on Patrol and placed a request to see if they could assist Mrs. Porter in any way. Angels on Patrol was able to assist Mrs. Porter and had her vehicle towed to a repair shop. 

The next day, the repair shop informed Angels on Patrol that the repairs had been completed on Mrs. Porter's vehicle and they had decided to charge only 50% of what the normal bill would be as a courtesy to Angels on Patrol and Mrs. Porter. Angels on Patrol then advised Officer Rainey of the repairs and said they would contact Mrs. Porter about returning her vehicle to her. Officer Rainey called the repair shop directly and paid for the repairs to the vehicle out of her own pocket. Officer Rainey expressed to Angels on Patrol that she was touched by her encounter with Mrs. Porter and she felt such empathy toward her situation that she felt it was the right thing to do.

 Angels on Patrol called Mrs. Porter and let her know her vehicle was repaired and that Officer Rainey had paid for the repairs herself. Mrs. Porter broke down in tears saying how touched she was by Officer Rainey and said that she saved her life with kindness and was forever grateful for her thoughtfulness and generosity.

Jeni Barrios, Program Coordinator of Angels On Patrol had this to say, "The mission of Angels on Patrol is to provide law enforcement officer-initiated support to community members in times of crisis. Officer Rainey’s actions and willingness to help in this situation reflect the true definition of selflessness and what it means to serve others. Officer Rainey felt a true calling to help someone and made it her mission to ensure she was safe."

Angels on Patrol recognized Officer Rainey as their February 2022 Angel of the Month and would like commended her for her service to the community. 

 Officer Rainey clearly went above and beyond her normal duties during this situation and showed how selfless and compassionate she is. Congratulations Officer Rainey on a job well done!!

Mesa Police arrest suspect in double fatal car crash

 News Release

 

Reckless Driver Driving Over 100MPH Kills Two in Fatal Vehicle Collision

Mesa, AZ – On March 22, 2022, the Mesa Police Department arrested and booked 21-year-old Gezane Izreal Cabanillas-Lape on two counts of 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault for his involvement in a double fatal vehicle collision that occurred at Windsor and Main St. in Mesa at about 5:30pm on March 22, 2022.

On March 22, 2022, the Mesa Police Department responded to vehicle collision in the area of Windsor and Main St. in Mesa. Upon arrival it was discovered that two vehicles were involved, a 2009 Chrysler 300C and a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Upon arrival of first responders the male passenger in the Chrysler Pacifica was not responsive. That individual, 82-year-old Ronald Hettich, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female driver of the Pacifica, 80-year-old Irma Hettich, Ronald’s spouse, sustained serious injuries, was transported to a local hospital, and was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the Chrysler 300C, 21-year-old Gezane Cabanillas-Lape and the 21-year-old female passenger were also transported to a local hospital. Cabanillas-Lape had no serious injuries, but the female passenger suffered possible internal injuries.

The investigation revealed that the Hettich’s were travelling north on Windsor crossing over Main St. when Cabanillas-Lape who was travelling westbound on Main St. at a high rate of speed colliding with the passenger side of Hettich’s vehicle. It was determined Cabanillas-Lape was travelling in an excess of 100MPH on a roadway with a speed limit of 45MPH at the time of the collision. Cabanillas-Lape was evaluated, and no signs of alcohol or drug impairment were discovered.

The investigation revealed the primary cause of the collision was the reckless high rate of speed of Cabanillas-Lape. Based on the speed factor causing the deaths of Ronald and Irma Hettich and the injuries sustained by the female passenger in the Chrysler 300C Cabanillas-Lape was arrested and booked into the Mesa City Holding Facility on two counts of 2nd degree murder and one count of Aggravated Assault.

Mesa Police take part in initiative to combat distracted driving

 Mesa Police To Combat Distracted Driving

The Mesa Police Department will be taking part in a citywide initiative to combat distracted driving.

 As part of the initiative, the Mesa Police Department is working to raise awareness about the importance of attentive and engaged driving, and is focusing on the dangers distracted driving poses to everyone on the road, including other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

 Arizona law prohibits drivers from using their phone while driving, including writing, sending, or reading electronic messages, using apps or browsing the internet while driving,

• Holding or supporting a wireless device while driving.
• This includes, but is not limited to, your hands and perched on your shoulder.
• Read, write, or send a message via any portable wireless communication device.
• Scroll through social media, watch videos, record videos, or any other use of the device that causes a distraction and requires the use of your body.

The first violation will result in a fine up to $150 and subsequent violations can be as much as $250, plus applicable surcharges.

The Mesa Police Department suggest the following safety tips:

• Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
• Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
• Speak up when a driver uses an electronic device behind the wheel. Offer to make the call for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the road.
• Always wear your seat belt.  Seat belts are your best defense against unsafe drivers.
• Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially those who may themselves be distracted.
• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination
• Read about how to enable Do Not Disturb While Driving, so you aren't tempted by notifications. 
• Apple iOS- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208090
• Google Android- https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/10217503?hl=en

For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving#issue-what-distracted-driving

 

You Can't Hide From Our K9

On February 12, 2022, around 4:00 a.m., an adult woman was standing on the Light Rail platform of Alma School/ Main when she was hit from behind by an unknown person and knocked to the ground. This person, later identified as 39-year-old Leon Jones, proceeded to hit the victim in the head and grabbed her neck until she went unconscious.  

When the victim regained consciousness, Jones was on top of her. Jones continued to punch the victim all over her upper body and face, telling her that she would not be able to call the police. Jones forcibly removed the victim’s clothing from the waist up, leaving her breasts exposed. He grabbed her breasts and choked her.

A witness, who is a security guard for a local business, heard the victim screaming and ran to her aid. Upon his arrival, Jones got up and ran away from the scene.

The victim told police that she did not know who Jones was and has never seen him before.

With the help of both the witness and the victim, officers gathered enough detailed information about Jones to start looking for him.

Officers swarmed the area and set up a perimeter. K9 Officer Hasso responded and picked up the scent of Jones. Within 20 minutes, K9 Officer Hasso located Jones hiding under a box behind some bushes in the area and signaled to his handler.

Jones did not follow commands and was shot with one less lethal bean bag round to the buttocks. He was then taken into custody.

Jones was identified by the witness as the person he saw assaulting the victim. He was booked into jail for the following charges and held on $25,000 bond.

 

1 count ARS 13-1304A3- Kidnapping, a class 2 felony.

1 count ARS 13-1404A- Sexual Abuse, a class 5 felony.

1 count ARS 13-1204A4- Aggravated Assault, a class 6 felony.

Leon Jones Mug Shot

 

Mesa Police Arrest Serial Burglar

Since October 24, 2021, Mesa Police Officers have been looking for a serial burglar who targeted retirement communities in east Mesa, burglarizing numerous homes and vehicles. On December 30, 2021, these photographs were released to the public in hopes that someone could identify him. The Mesa Police Department is thankful for all the tips from the public and assistance from the media reference this crime series.

After combing through multiple tips from the public and utilizing law enforcement databases, officers located an investigative lead, 32-year-old Justin Schuerman. Officers found that Schuerman’s tattoos matched that of the suspect in the surveillance videos and were able to place him in the area of at least four burglaries at the time they occurred.

On January 19, 2022, Mesa Police Officers located and arrested Schuerman without incident.

Schuerman is suspected of committing 19 other burglaries and additional charges will most likely follow pending the outcome of DNA analysis.

Schuerman declined to speak to detectives. He was booked into jail for the following charges and held with no bond.

4 counts ARS 13-1506A1: Burglary 3^rd degree, a class 4 felony

1 count ARS 13-2102.A1: Theft of a Credit Card, a class 5 felony

1 outstanding felony warrant through MCSO

Justin Schuerman Mug Shot

Mesa Officers Deploy the "Grappler” to Stop Suspect Vehicle

On January 18, 2022, around 8:43 a.m., Mesa Police Officers responded to a shots fired call in the 100 block of S. Lazona Mesa, AZ. When officers arrived, they spoke to a witness who said that a black Dodge Charger with a temporary registration tag was speeding up and down the street. This witness yelled at the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Tre-Shawn Dorsett, to slow down. Dorsett continued to speed up and down the street and stopped in front of the witness’ house. He honked the car horn, opened the car door, and began yelling and mocking the witness. The witness responded by taking a photograph of Dorsett before going inside their house. When the vehicle left, this witness heard four gunshots.

A second witness was located, who told officers the same story about the black Dodge Charger speeding up and down the street. This witness was outside of their house at the time and said that the driver held a handgun outside of the window, firing four rounds towards a residence on Lazona. The vehicle sped off while firing an additional two rounds from the vehicle.  

Within two minutes, officers arrived on scene and located the Dodge Charger in the area. Officers observed a male subject getting into the vehicle, who also matched the photograph of the male subject taken by the first witness.

Officers followed the vehicle in conjunction with the Mesa Police Air Unit into Phoenix, where they utilized the Grappler to stop Dorsett’s vehicle. Dorsett was taken into custody without further incident. 

Actual Scene Photographs of the Grappler (from police vehicle to suspect vehicle)

*To see video of the Grappler in action click here: https://policebumper.com/video/ 

Dorsett admitted to officers that he was speeding and that someone yelled at him, but denied having a confrontation with anyone, even when he was shown the photo of himself antagonizing the first witness.

Dorsett was booked into jail for the following charges and held on a $50,000 bond.

ARS 13-3107.A: Discharging a Firearm within City Limits, a class 6 felony.

ARS 13-3102.A4: Prohibited Possessor, a class 4 felony. 

Tre-Shawn Dorsett Mug Shot

Someone Knows Who This Is

We are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a burglary suspect that is involved in multiple vehicle and residential burglaries in east Mesa between the areas of Southern to University and Sossaman to Ellsworth Road.

The suspect is identified as a white male in his twenties, approximately 5’10” to 6’0” tall and average build. He has either a brown or red beard with distinctive tattoos on his neck area and left hand. He has been seen fleeing on a bicycle. The burglaries have occurred over the past three months. Below are security camera photographs of the suspect.

If you or anyone you know can identify this suspect, please call the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377).