Cop Shop

The Mesa Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying a man who has committed three robberies while riding a motorcycle. On three occasions during August and September, a man has robbed three women in a business parking lot. In all three incidents the mant rode his motorcycle in the parking lot of the business, approached the victims and, while still on the motorcycle, took their purses. In one of the incidents, the victim was dragged a short distance while the man attempted to pull the purse away from her.

The man is described as white, in his mid 20s, short dark hair and clean shaven. In one incident he was seen wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans with a black baseball cap.  He has used a black sports- style motorcycle. Anyone with information is urged to call Silent Witness at (480) 948-6377.

Mesa police arrested Shawn Miller on suspicion of burglary and impersonating an officer Thursday evening. At around 8 p.m., residents of a house in the 2100 block of West Jibsail Loop returned to find their property broken into and several electronic items missing. The victims called police and while checking the house were confronted by a man later identified as Miller, who was in the house with gloves on. Miller told the victims to hang up the phone and showed them a wallet badge. He identified himself as detective Miller and said he was on an investigation. The victims didn’t believe him, and he ran from the house, with the victims chasing him.

Police found Miller when an officer working in an unmarked vehicle located a man who matched the suspect’s description. Police found Miller with a badge wallet that he initially said wasn’t his. They found Miller’s identification inside the wallet. Police said Miller has an outstanding felony burglary warrant.

During the investigation, Miller admitted entering the residence and taking a laptop computer. He directed detectives to a vehicle belonging to his wife near the crime scene. Inside was the laptop, along with numerous burglary tools.

At around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Mesa police responded to a possible shoplifting in progress at Blockbuster video, 2706 E. University Drive. Three men got into their white Chevy S-10 Extreme pickup as an officer approached it on foot.  The driver backed out of his parking space and drove at a high rate of speed toward the officer, who jumped to get out of the way of the vehicle.

The men, who had three small children in their vehicle, are described as approximately 50 years old wearing a gray T-shirt and glasses, approximately 20 years old wearing a black T-shirt, and approximately 20 years old wearing a red Cleveland Cavaliers basketball jersey and khaki pants.

They are being sought on changes of aggravated assault on a police officer.

At around 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Mesa police officers responded to a call about a 28 year-old man being threatened with a knife in the 400 block of East Brown Road. Police said the incident occurred because of a standing neighbor dispute. Cruz Mario Gonzales left before officers arrived. He was located walking away from the scene in the area of 10th Street and Date. Gonzales, 20, took a fighting stance with the officers, then fled. Police caught him after a short foot pursuit without incident. He was was identified as the person with a knife and was placed into custody. A records check revealed a U.S. Marshal’s office warrant for Gonzales’ arrest for probation violation and a weapons offense.

Mesa police arrested Andre Smith at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on charges of aggravated assault after they responded to 161 W. Main St. regarding a stabbing. The victim, a 49 year-old female, received a 2-inch shallow cut to the left front of her neck. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The victim and two witnesses told police they knew Smith, 51. He fled on a bicycle. Officers received information that Smith lives at a halfway house in the area of Broadway Road and Spencer. A K-9 officer spotted Smith and he was arrested.