CRIME & SAFETY
San Tan Valley home destroyed in 'out of control' fire set by men burning trash in vacant lot, officials say
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — Two men burning trash in a vacant San Tan Valley lot caused a fire that destroyed a home on Tuesday, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office got a call about the fire, which was near Pava Lane and Rolling Ridge Road, from neighbors who reported seeing two men burning trash and weeds in the vacant lot near the home.
Sheriff: Woman accepted ride from man in water truck before she was raped
MESA, Ariz. — A Mesa man has been taken into custody after DNA evidence allegedly connected him to the sexual assault of a woman in Yavapai County. The sheriff's office said Friday that 36-year-old Brian J. Hernandez was taken into custody this month for allegedly raping a 47-year-old woman in August 2023.
Pedestrian dies after crash in Gilbert
GILBERT, Ariz. — A 45-year-old woman is dead after a crash in Gilbert Thursday night, police said. According to police reports, the crash happened around 7:45 p.m. at the intersection of Queen Creek Road and Val Vista Drive. The woman, who has not been named, was walking when she...
Wind-driven fire destroys 2 homes in Mesa neighborhood
MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — Dozens of firefighters are on scene in a Mesa neighborhood where gusty winds helped spread a fast-moving fire that destroyed two homes. The initial fire broke out shortly after 2 p.m. on Halifax Street, just northwest of Gilbert and Brown roads. Mesa Fire Captain Chris Tiller says the initial fire is believed to have started in an RV or backyard shed before it spread to a house. The wind-driven fire quickly engulfed the residence before spreading to a second home.
Man in wheelchair dies after being hit by garbage truck near Mesa
MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man has been killed after being hit by a garbage truck Wednesday morning near Mesa. The crash happened around 10:15 a.m. near Broadway and Ellsworth roads. According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived to find a man with serious injuries lying in the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Missing 8-year-old Gilbert girl found safe with family out of state
GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — A missing 8-year-old girl who was feared to be in danger was found safe on Thursday evening. Gilbert police said Zariah Lum was discovered safe with family members out of state. Officers said while she was last seen with her father on Thursday morning, they...
Man sentenced to 27 years in prison for murder of stepfather in Gilbert
GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — A man will spend more than two decades behind bars for the Christmas Day murder of his stepfather in Gilbert. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office says Michael Trevlyn Kaser, 49, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for the shooting death of Michael Kinney.
Parents, students demand accountability from Chandler Unified School District on teen violence
CHANDLER, AZ (AZFamily) — During the Chandler Unified School District’s Board meeting Wednesday night, parents and students demanded action against teen violence and district accountability. During public comment, a Basha High School student claimed she’s been bullied, not by students, but by school staff. Later, another student...
Chad Daybell trial: Focus remains on the murder of Tammy Daybell
PHOENIX - On day 12 of the Chad Daybell trial, the focus remained on the suspicious death of the self-proclaimed doomsday prophet's first wife. Daybell is the Idaho man accused of murdering two Arizona children, whose bodies were later found in his backyard. Daybell's current wife, Lori Vallow, was the...
Gilbert mayoral candidate drops out of race amid 'Goons,' financial fraud controversy
Shane Krauser withdrew his candidacy for Gilbert mayor amid scrutiny over election challenges, connections with the "Gilbert Goons" and a history of financial fraud. Krauser submitted a candidate statement of voluntary withdrawal Wednesday morning, the Gilbert town clerk confirmed. The statement of withdrawal also states he will not run as a write-in...
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