PHOENIX, Arizona – Five individuals have been arrested in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year, according to authorities.
Jacob Pennington, 20, of Gilbert was taken into custody by the Pinal County Sheriff’s office on Wednesday for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley. In a separate case, Christopher Fantastic, 18, was arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. Following Fantastic’s arrest, the Gilbert Police Department announced the arrests of three additional suspects in the August assault, including Aris Arredondo, 18, and two 16-year-olds, all facing charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb revealed that investigators utilized video and other evidence to identify Pennington in a November 18 attack on a 16-year-old boy. The assault, captured on video, showed multiple individuals attacking the victim in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive.
Fantastic is facing charges of assault with intent to injure and aggravated robbery, according to Maricopa County online jail records. His bond has been set at $25,000.
It’s unclear if the San Tan Valley case is related to the notorious East Valley gang known as the Gilbert Goons. However, concerns have been raised about a group that Fantastic is said to belong to, which has been linked to multiple attacks in the Gilbert community. Reports have also connected the gang to the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord.
The Queen Creek Police Department has submitted charges to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office against seven suspects involved in Lord’s death. According to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, the submission was extensive, including an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos.
In summary, five arrests have been made in connection to violent assaults on minors in the East Valley, with additional investigations still ongoing. No direct link has been confirmed between the recent arrests and the activities of the Gilbert Goons, further adding complexity to the ongoing efforts to address youth violence in the area.