GILBERT, AZ — Multiple arrests have been made in cases involving violent attacks on teenagers in the Southeast Valley in recent months and several other violent crimes involving teenage victims continue to be under investigation.
However, many members of the community question the timeline of reports of teen violence and the time it took Gilbert police to make arrests.
Scroll through the interactive timeline below to see all of the known events surrounding the recent violence in the East Valley. Having trouble viewing? Click here.
ABC15 is taking action to get the answers needed as teen violence incidents occur in the East Valley. Follow our latest coverage here.
Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg held a briefing Thursday afternoon to address some of these crimes ahead of the first meeting of the newly formed Gilbert Town Council subcommittee on teen violence.
During the subcommittee meeting, some parents shared their concerns about what has been happening in their community.
"I have a daughter who's in junior high here, and I'm terrified for her. You know, and it's not right, it's not fair," said Amy Hommen, a former teacher.
She believes the teen violence needs to be tackled from all sides. She said one way to do that is by providing a space where everyone feels comfortable speaking out.
"Just giving teachers, maybe, a phone number that they can call in anonymously, to give some tips or just to talk about what's going on... in the schools and in their classrooms. Same with the students. I know there are many kids who are afraid to say anything," said Hommen.
"It takes a village," said Chuck Bongiovanni, a Gilbert council member.
The subcommittee mentioned plans to work with school districts to hopefully launch a youth violence survey. Another idea, brought up by a parent, was holding more informal meetings within the community instead of just at council chambers. ABC15 spoke with one Chandler parent who made it a point to be there, saying the impact of teen violence is felt across the East Valley.
"It affects us all. Our children go to these different eateries and gyms that may not be in your zip code but they can drive, they're mobile," said Aimee Valenzuela-Altomare.
Valenzuela-Altomare hopes to see a stronger presence in neighborhood "block watch" programs.
"Before you bring this kind of violence to our community, know that we're all watching and we're all now ready... because now this has awakened us up in another way," said Valenzuela-Altomare.
The subcommittee said they will take what they hear during meetings, see what kind of action items they can develop, and report back to the town council.
Have a news tip related to teen violence in the East Valley? Email us at teenviolence@abc15.com
