Stalking and a kidnapping attempt charges have been brought against Zakary Preece, who crossed state lines allegedly in pursuit of his former girlfriend. The indictment comes after a coordinated effort between Utah police and the Glendale Police Department, according to a press release from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Preece, with a 10/1993 birthdate, was previously under trial in Utah and had removed his ankle monitor before traveling to Arizona.
On October 25, 2024, the urgency of the situation escalated when Preece was reported by Utah authorities to be en route to Arizona, despite facing multiple domestic violence-related charges. A few days later, officers located Preece near his former girlfriend's residence in Glendale. As police moved in to apprehend him, Preece reportedly attempted suicide but was arrested after sustaining a non-fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a statement made by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, his vehicle contained not only a firearm but also tracking devices and other items indicating stalking behaviors.
The investigation also uncovered a rented Glendale home linked to Preece. This secondary location contained an arsenal, including weapons, restraints, and surveillance equipment. Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County Attorney, announced that Preece's indictment includes one count of Attempt to Commit Kidnapping, a Class Three Felony; one count of Stalking, a Class Three Felony; one count of Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, a Class Six Felony; and one count of Interfering with Judicial Proceedings, a Class One Misdemeanor. According to the legal system, Preece is presumed innocent until proven guilty, a fundamental principle that guides the judiciary process.
