As the violence among teens in Gilbert escalates, the local town council has taken steps to address the community's growing anxieties. In a unanimous vote, council members established a subcommittee aimed at probing into the surge of violent incidents associated with a group infamously nicknamed the "Gilbert Goons." FOX 10 Phoenix reports that the tragic beating and subsequent death of Preston Lord, a teenager whose attackers remain unidentified, spurred a public outcry during a recent council meeting.
Councilmembers Jim Torgeson, Chuck Bongiovanni, and Vice Mayor Scott Anderson, who formed the new committee, have their work cut out for them as they tackle an issue that has shaken this East Valley town to its core. "The fact of the matter is a lot of the public is extremely concerned, and it needs to be addressed," Torgeson told FOX 10 Phoenix during an over-the-phone interview. The subcommittee's mission is to ensure transparency, eliminate misinformation, and understand the full extent of teen violence in the area.
The Gilbert Police Department has reopened several cases, and is currently investigating eight incidents related to teen violence, reported FOX 10 Phoenix. Among these, four had been initially closed, while the others arose from online tips and included occurrences at a variety of venues across town.
In response to the alarming situation, Gilbert Police's Chief Michael Soelberg publicly addressed the incidents for the first time at the town meeting, saying, "While it is frustrating this incident was not reported to the police prior, it is an example of what we need from our community and we are thankful for the victim who had the courage to report this delayed assault."
Amidst the community's plea for action, additional resources are being directed to the investigation as the Gilbert PD liaises with the Arizona Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM) and other local enforcement agencies to explore the possibility of classifying the 'Gilbert Goons' as a criminal street gang under state law, as stated on their website. For more details on the subcommittee's establishment and its implications, visit the reports by FOX 10 Phoenix and 12News.
