PHOENIX, Arizona – Authorities in Pinal County have made a second arrest in connection to the assault of a teenage boy in a desert near Queen Creek. Sheriff Mark Lamb announced the arrest of 18-year-old Garrett Bagshaw, who was taken into custody in Mesa on Friday and booked into the Pinal County Jail. The sheriff also stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify additional suspects still underway.
According to investigators, Bagshaw and others were involved in attacking a 17-year-old boy on November 18 near Wagon Wheel Road and Quail Trail. The victim was reportedly punched and kicked before being helped up by a friend, and both boys fled the scene. The recent arrest is the seventh this week related to incidents of teen violence in the East Valley.
Sheriff Lamb issued a warning to the remaining suspects, urging them to turn themselves in. Meanwhile, Gilbert Police are seeking public assistance in identifying suspects in ongoing teen assault investigations. The recent string of arrests comes in the wake of increased attention to teen violence in the area following the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, who was assaulted after a Halloween party in Queen Creek and later passed away. His stepmother made an emotional plea for justice during a recent city council meeting in Chandler.
As of now, no arrests have been made in the case of Preston Lord. However, authorities continue to investigate and are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the pursuit of justice for the victims.