A chaotic incident unfolded in Mesa on the night of July 6 when three police officers responded to what was supposed to be a routine burglary call. According to ABC15, three officers were assaulted by 27-year-old Alaijia James, culminating in her arrest.
The situation reportedly began to escalate after an officer, first on the scene, asked James if she was a resident at the location. In response, James opted to, seemingly without provocation, attack the officer with clenched car keys fashioned into a makeshift weapon. This officer sustained several cuts to the face, one near the eye and another on the cheek, as conveyed by 12 News. As the incident unfolded, two more officers who came to assist, were also injured. Alaijia James allegedly scratched and kicked them during attempts to subdue her.
Despite their injuries, none of the officers required hospitalization. The reports from both outlets, 12 News and ABC 15, mention that James was ultimately subdued after being tased and detained by the officers. The police had to use control holds and a taser, firing it four times to bring the situation under reins.
James now faces multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument, and criminal damage. The area of the altercation, near Extension Road and Broadway Road, remains a crime scene under investigation. It was also reported by 12 News that at the time of the arrest, Alaijia James "did not appear coherent" and was not able to properly communicate with officers at the scene. This has likely to have added a layer of complexity to the officers' efforts to handle the case with the customary protocol.
