Mesa police report that on March 4th around 4 a.m., a man came home from work and took his dogs out for a walk. Minutes later he heard "what sounded like a car crash" coming from near his apartment, at University and Country Club drives.
What he heard was four people invading the apartment right below his. Inside the apartment, witnesses say the four suspects, all wearing bandanas and dark clothing, pointed weapons at several people in the apartment, including small children.
They demanded money from the victim who was given money from the Salt River Indian Community that is given to members as they turn 21. The victim posted on social media several high-end purchases he had recently made. Police say the victim was pistol-whipped and robbed of jewelry worth about $13,000.
Another victim was located by the suspects in a closet. He was allegedly removed from the closet, robbed and shot in the abdomen.
As the assailants moved back into the main room of the apartment, they saw a woman who was on the phone with 911. One of the suspects took the phone from her but neglected to end the call. Police say they were listening for the next 16 minutes as the suspects fled in their car and recounted the home invasion including giving names of the suspects involved.
Salt River police believe the same suspects may be involved in another drive-by shooting of a home with a woman and seven children inside, which happened about an hour later near 97th Street and Camelback Road.
Police say the suspects are documented gang members with strong ties to the Salt River Indian Community. Two of the suspects were located and arrested, one who is 15 years old, the other accused suspect is Monahan Loring, age 21.
Loring is being held on a $500,000 bond, and both have been charged with numerous counts of armed robbery and aggravated assault.
