1 dead, 2 wounded; possible gang rivalry
by Dustin Gardiner - Jul. 24, 2010 12:10 PM
The Arizona Republic

An argument between rival gang members might have led to a fatal shooting in south Phoenix early Saturday morning.

Police said one man was killed and two others were shot at about 4:15 a.m. during a gathering at a home in the 300 block of North 39th Drive.

Sgt. Trent Crump, a spokesman for Phoenix police, said witnesses told police the violence started with an argument between two neighbors who are rival gang members. Police are investigating the claims.

The deceased was identified as 19-year-old Gabriel Trujillo. The other two victims had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have not released any information about potential suspects.


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Police: Man points gun at teens, abducts one
by Dustin Gardiner - Jul. 24, 2010 12:33 PM
The Arizona Republic

A Phoenix man was arrested Saturday morning after police said he pointed a gun at two teenage boys and kidnapped one for supposedly stealing his stereo.

Police said Ignacio Ruelas, 43, began approaching juveniles in his neighborhood around midnight Saturday, accusing them of stealing from him.

The suspect first pulled a gun on a 15-year-old boy, but the juvenile walked away, said Sgt. Trent Crump, a spokesman for Phoenix police.

He then grabbed a 13-year-old and forced the boy into his vehicle, Crump said. Officers spotted the vehicle shortly thereafter and a high speed pursuit followed.

Crump said the suspect eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed into some landscaping. He attempted to run from officers, but was detained and arrested, Crump said.

The boy was returned home to his family.

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Scooter struck in hit-run; woman clings to life
by Dustin Gardiner - Jul. 24, 2010 09:06 AM
The Arizona Republic

A Phoenix woman is clinging to life after she was struck riding her motorized scooter Friday night.

Police said a man in a green truck hit the 25-year-old woman on the scooter and fled northbound. The accident occurred at about 10 p.m. near the intersection of 43rd and Peoria avenues in west Phoenix.

The suspect's truck was described as a full-size Chevy or Ford short bed and had gold and silver rims, police said. He was described as a Hispanic male, age 25 to 30, with a tattoo on his neck and a slight beard.

Police said the victim, whose name has not been released, is not expected to live.

Anyone with information relating to the hit-and-run incident should contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151.


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Two Mesa officers injured in fight with gang member
by Stephanie Russo - Jul. 21, 2010 03:23 PM
The Arizona Republic

A documented gang member is accused of attacking two Mesa police officers who responded to a 911 hang-up call at a home near Country Club Drive and Broadway Road Tuesday evening.

Detective Mike Melendez, a Mesa police spokesman, said that when officers arrived on the scene about 7:15 p.m., the door to the residence was open, and Daniel Ruiz Espinoza, 25, came outside to meet them.

Although Espinoza had a cut on his hand and blood on his shirt, he denied that there was any problem.

The officers asked Espinoza, a documented gang member, more about the blood and he raised his fist at them in what they considered a threatening posture, police said.

Espinoza swung at them and hit one of the officers as they tried to restrain him. According to Melendez, a fight ensued and Espinoza punched and kicked the officers.

Both officers were injured in the struggle, during which one broke his hand and the other strained his knee, Melendez said.

One of the officers was able to subdue Espinoza with his stun gun and take him into custody. Espinoza continued to threaten officers, Melendez said.

An investigation revealed that the initial call was to report a domestic disturbance between Espinoza and his girlfriend, but neither admitted to calling police.

Espinoza was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and threatening and intimidating.

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Man dies after apparent attack at Phoenix apartment complex
by Kyle Daly - Jul. 22, 2010 10:10 AM
The Arizona Republic
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Phoenix police are investigating a suspected homicide that occurred Wednesday in an apartment complex near Central and Dunlap avenues.

Officers arrived at the complex around noon to find a 33-year-old man suffering from several wounds to his body. Police did not give further details about the wounds.


A 37-year-old woman, identified as the victim's ex-girlfriend, and her 21-year-old son were providing aid to the man, police said.

The man was later taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police did not make any arrests, and there are no suspects at this time.

No other information was available

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