In the wake of rising teen violence and the infamous "Gilbert Goons," Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg has made it unmistakably clear that such acts will not go unpunished. According to a recent update from FOX 10 Phoenix, Chief Soelberg addressed the community's concerns following the submission of names by Queen Creek Police related to the murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord at a Halloween party last year. His statement emphasized the department's commitment to "thoroughly reviewing its prior cases, incidents, investigations, and calls for service involving teens from the last two years."
The Gilbert Police Department is making strides to actively to expand patrols in areas heavily trafficked by teens, including the vicinity of the mall and Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. "Violence will not be tolerated in our community and I can assure you that all of our resources are being used in our efforts to maintain the safety of our community members, especially our youth," Soelberg proclaimed in the update obtained by KTAR News. The initiative arrives as the local and neighboring police forces are awaiting a decision from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office concerning the charging of seven individuals linked to the fatal beating of Lord, an event that has put the so-called "Gilbert Goons" gang under a harsh spotlight.
Reacting to communal alarm, Chief Soelberg acknowledged that his department understands the "fear and frustration" gripping residents. The recent submissions and reviews echo a commitment to justice for the victims and a stern stance against perpetrators of teen violence. The names of seven individuals related to Lord's murder, as put forth by the Queen Creek PD, mark a critical juncture in the collaborative effort across jurisdictions to address and prevent such incidents.
In the spirit of cooperative law enforcement, both the Gilbert and Queen Creek police departments are said to be working closely, leveraging the full extent of their resources to bring closure to the Preston Lord case and to ensure similar acts of violence are curtailed. "We appreciate the tips we've received and want to remind you that if you have any videos, photos, or information related to incidents of this nature, to report it to Gilbert PD," stressed Soelberg, in a move designed to frequently encourage community involvement and vigilance in crime prevention efforts. The department's call to the public was highlighted by FOX 10 Phoenix.
