Gilbert, Arizona – A recent string of teen violence incidents in Gilbert, Arizona, has led to multiple arrests and raised concerns among residents and local officials alike. The most recent arrest involves 20-year-old Jacob Pennington, who was taken into custody for aggravated robbery, with court documents alleging he stole a victim’s shoe during the assault at the Gilbert In-N-Out, a location that has seen several incidents of youth violence.
During Pennington’s initial court appearance, the judge expressed her shock at the escalating youth violence in the East Valley, stating that even after presiding over juvenile court for two decades, she had never witnessed anything like it. Pennington has been linked to multiple teen violence cases in the area, along with other suspects like 17-year-old girl who is facing assault charges.
According to Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg, the victims in these cases have expressed fears of retaliation, with some even experiencing intimidation tactics from masked individuals showing up at their homes. The police are urging the community not to be afraid and to come forward with any information that can help protect the victims and ensure justice is served.
Aside from Pennington, other suspects like 18-year-old Kyler Renner and 19-year-old Gage Garrison have also been arrested in connection to various crimes, including drug-related charges and assaults. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced that Renner was indicted on multiple drug charges, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes being committed.
As investigations into these incidents continue, questions have arisen about whether the group involved, known as the Gilbert Goons, could be classified as a criminal street gang. Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue, there are still concerns lingering within the community, with some calling for the resignation of local officials like Mayor Brigette Peterson and Chief Soelberg.
Amid the push for justice and accountability, the Gilbert Police Chief revealed that their department has been actively investigating other related teen violence cases. With progress being made in some instances and challenges in others, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
In response to the growing concerns, the town has scheduled a teen violence subcommittee meeting for the following Monday, focusing on finding solutions to address the root causes of these troubling incidents.