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by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 12:42 am

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE " BREAKING NEWS FROM " . THAT OCCUR MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY . LOCALLY .

Two toddlers hospitalized after being found in a backyard pool in Phoenix (02 May 2024,

[size=33]3-year-old twin sisters dead after being found in a backyard pool in Phoenix[/size]

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y David Baker and AZFamily Digital News Staff
Published: May. 2, 2024 at 4:02 PM MST|Updated: May. 3, 2024 at 12:15 PM MST

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Two young girls are dead after being found unresponsive in a backyard pool in west Phoenix on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning, police identified them as Valentina and Penelope Ruiz, 3-year-old twin sisters.

It happened just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday near 67th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Crews were originally called to the home for reports of a three-year-old found unconscious in the pool but then received information it was two children.

Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said the girls’ father was the one who called 911. Officials say he was trying to do CPR on the girls when firefighters arrived and began life-saving measures.

“You can imagine what that would look like, how taxing that would be,” Capt. McDade said. “A tremendous tragic scene.”

The siblings were rushed to the hospital, where they later died.

No word on how long they were in the water.

Detectives are investigating, however, police say preliminary information suggests this was an accidental drowning with no suspicious circumstances.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 12:46 am

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By Tianna Morimoto and Zach Prelutsky
Published: May. 4, 2024 at 3:51 PM MST|Updated: May. 4, 2024 at 9:42 PM MST

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — Authorities are searching for a man who did not resurface after jumping into Lake Pleasant on Saturday afternoon.

Lake Patrol Deputies were called to a possible drowning around 2 p.m.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses told deputies that the man had jumped from the boat into the water to retrieve a hat. However, he never came back up. Witnesses also said the man was not wearing a life vest.

As of Sunday morning, the man still hasn’t been found.

Lake Patrol Deputies were called to a possible drowning at Lake Pleasant around 2 p.m.(Arizona's Family)
According to the United States Coast Guard, 80% of people who died from drownings in 2022 were not wearing a life jacket.

Division Commander of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Arizona, Jack Pauly, wants everyone to stay safe out on Arizona’s waters by wearing a life jacket, taking boating safety classes, and staying hydrated with water.

“Equipment on board, should there be an emergency of someone going overboard a throwable flotation device to assist them. First aid kit, and maybe a little basic knowledge in first aid wouldn’t hurt,” said Pauly.

An investigation is underway.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 12:49 am

CHANDLER, AZ (AZFamily) — A two-year-old is hospitalized after being pulled from a pool in Chandler on Saturday afternoon.
Details are limited, but first responders were called to an apartment complex near Ray and Dobson roads around 6:30 p.m. The Chandler Police Department said the child was rushed to the hospital.
As of Sunday morning, Chandler police say the child remains in the hospital and is receiving continuous care.
It is not known if anyone was watching the child at the time or if the pool had a fence around it.

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First responders were called to an apartment complex near Ray and Dobson roads around 6:30 p.m.(Arizona's Family)

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 12:52 am

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TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — A man has died after a shooting involving a DPS trooper on a busy East Valley freeway on Sunday morning. He’s been identified as 44-year-old Lemonte Anthony Knobelock of Mesa.
Around 2 a.m., a trooper located a driver parked on the shoulder of Loop 101 just south of University Drive. Authorities say the vehicle matched a description that was recently reported for erratic driving.
According to Sgt. Eric Andrews, with DPS, a trooper attempted to speak with the driver, who refused to follow commands and barricaded himself in his car. Roughly 30 minutes later, Andrews said the man pulled out a handgun, which is when the trooper-involved shooting happened. Firefighters pronounced Knobelock dead at the scene.
No troopers were hurt during the shooting. The AZDPS Major Incident Division is investigating the incident.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

The southbound lanes of Loop 101 were closed at Rio Salado Parkway were closed for nearly 12 hours. The lanes reopened just after 1 p.m.
The hours-long closure created extensive traffic delays and detours for drivers all morning. A construction closure was just miles away, as southbound Loop 101 remains closed between Guadalupe and Ray roads. Arizona’s Family witnessed dozens of cars being re-routed off the freeway in the early morning hours.
A former Arizona police chief, Stan Kephart, said the situation was under control until the driver refused to follow commands.
“This is a chaotic set of circumstances and every officer’s worst nightmare, to come upon this kind of a circumstance that escalates to a point where an officer believes that he is about to either be killed or grievously injured,” he said.
Kephart added that the situation is called an escalation-of-force circumstance.
“The officer has no control over what the suspect decides to do. He can only respond to the failure of that person to comply with his lawful commands and that was clearly in evidence here,” he said.
However, Kephart said he could not decide if the shooting was justified or not due to limited details on the case and the active investigation.
This is the 34th shooting involving law enforcement in Arizona so far in 2024.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 12:55 am

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GOODYEAR, AZ (AZFamily) — Firefighters have contained the “Flying Bucket Fire” that burned thousands of acres south of Goodyear this week.
On Sunday, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said that the fire was 100% contained at 2,795 acres, and all resources had been released from the scene.
Around 100 firefighters were called to battle the blaze on the ground, in addition to air tankers. High winds and warm temps increased fire conditions throughout the week while crews worked the fight the flames.
Crews from the Goodyear Fire Department, Maricopa Fire/Medical Department and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were initially called to a brush fire near State Route 238 and 99th Avenue, about 15 miles west of Maricopa, early Monday afternoon. Investigators believe the fire was started by people target shooting.

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Early Monday afternoon, crews from the Goodyear Fire Department, City of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were called to the "Flying Bucket" fire near State Route 238 and 99th Avenue, about 15 miles west of Maricopa.(azfamily)
No injuries have been reported.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 12:59 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An armed shoplifting suspect has died after being shot in an alleged exchange of gunfire with Phoenix police officers late Tuesday night. He’s been identified as 27-year-old Christopher Raymond Tavares.
Police said officers were flagged down by a convenience store employee about a group of people who shoplifted near 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street just before midnight. The group split up when officers approached them.
According to police, Tavares then reportedly fired shots at an officer and struck a patrol vehicle several times. The officer exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was shot at least once.
Tavares was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. No officers were injured in the shooting, police said.
Police are looking for one additional shoplifting suspect.
That area of 35th Avenue was closed through Wednesday morning as an investigation was conducted. The scene was also immediately west of Carl Hayden Community High School, which led to a late start on Wednesday, school officials confirmed.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:01 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A two-year-old girl is in the hospital after she was found unconscious in a backyard pool in south Phoenix on Saturday.
First responders were called to the home near 16th Street and Baseline Road around 6 p.m. Crews arrived on the scene to family members giving the girl CPR. As of Sunday morning, police say the toddler remains in the hospital in critical condition.
It is not known if anyone was watching the child at the time or if the pool had a fence around it.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:05 am

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GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — The Gilbert Police Department has confirmed that two people were found dead inside a home early Monday morning in what appears to be a murder-suicide.
Around 12:15 a.m., officers responded to a home near Val Vista Drive and Ray Road, not far from Ashland Ranch Neighborhood Park. Inside, police found the bodies of a 40-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman.
Preliminary information suggests the incident was a murder-suicide, police say, but they have not indicated which person was the aggressor. No names have been released, or how they died.
Investigators call the situation an “isolated incident” and say there is no threat to the public.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:08 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A garbage truck driver is dead after a reported explosion Wednesday afternoon at a semiconductor facility in north Phoenix.
According to police, 41-year-old Cesar Anguiano-Guitron was taking garbage away around 2:45 p.m. from the construction site at the TSMC plant along 43rd Avenue just north of the Loop 303 when there was a possible issue involving tractor-trailer, which stores the trash under pressure.
While inspecting the tank, an “uncontrolled pressure released” occurred, and Anguiano-Guitron was hit by an object, police said.
That sent him more than 20 feet from the truck. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
No TSMC employees or construction workers were hurt. The facilities weren’t damaged, TSMC said.

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Phoenix TSMC Plant

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TSMC released an updated statement on Thursday morning following the death of Anguiano-Guitron:

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the man who passed away in yesterday’s tragic accident which occurred on our site. We care about the safety and wellbeing of each of our employees, our construction trade workforce and vendors, as well as every visitor to our site. We are grateful for the immediate emergency response and the first responders for their efforts.
The Phoenix Fire Department cleared the site as hazard free yesterday soon after the accident, and there has been no interruption to full operations and construction. As was corrected by the Phoenix Police Department in their media advisory last evening, this individual was inspecting the equipment on a disposal truck when an unintended pressure release occurred. We will continue to stay in communication with the authorities as they complete their investigation as to the cause of this incident, also in cooperation with the employer of the individual.
TSMC Arizona

TSMC, short for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, is the world’s largest contract chipmaker. The company first announced plans for a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Phoenix in May 2020 and began construction in July 2022.
Production is expected to start in 2025.
In addition to its existing location, TSMC has also announced plans to expand in the Valley with two more manufacturing facilities.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:11 am

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MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A 3-year-old boy is fighting for his life after reportedly shooting himself near Mesa on Thursday.
It happened at a mobile home park at Main Street and Crismon Road around 3:45 p.m.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said the boy shot himself in the head. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, MCSO said.
As of Saturday morning, the boy remains in critical condition.

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A toddler is in the hospital after he shot himself in the head at a mobile home park near Mesa on Thursday.(Arizona's Family)
Deputies didn’t say how he got ahold of the gun or who else was with the toddler.
An investigation is underway, and MCSO says charges could be brought pending on the outcome of the case.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:14 am

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SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) — Surprise police have identified the suspect involved in a standoff with authorities that left a 6-month-old baby hospitalized and a home destroyed on Friday.
On Saturday, Surprise police say 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti was involved in Friday’s hostage situation. His remains were later found in the home, which caught fire after an hours-long standoff.
Police say it appeared he shot himself in the head. The cause of death is still pending the results of a medical examiner’s report.
The baby boy, who was shot multiple times, remains in the hospital in critical but stable condition, according to police.
Surprise Police Sgt. Rick Hernandez said it all started when Marchetti broke into the home in the area of Cotton Lane and Cactus Road around 3 a.m. and held the woman and the baby hostage. Police say the woman and baby lived at the home, but Marchetti, the father of the child, did not.
Somehow, she escaped around 11:30 a.m. and went to a construction crew nearby and told them what happened, Hernandez said. They called 911.
Marchetti and the baby were still inside the home when the police arrived.
While at the scene, officers heard gunshots. One Surprise Police officer responded by firing a gun toward the house where Marchetti was.
Other officers forced their way into the home and found the baby shot multiple times, Hernandez said.

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Surprise police say 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti was involved in Friday’s hostage situation.(Surprise Police Department)
Police said they didn’t see or talk to Marchetti but rescued the child from inside the house.
The baby boy was flown to a nearby hospital in serious condition, but police said the victim should survive. He underwent surgery for injuries to his lower body on Friday afternoon.
The woman was treated on scene for only minor injuries and then was taken to the hospital to be with her child, Hernandez said.
“When a call came in to 911 our officers were ready to put themselves in that line of fire that in the danger for the betterment of that young child. Right now, that child is clinging to life, that child is in surgery, that child to has an opportunity to recover and that is what our officers are focused on right now is that we provided that child the opportunity to recover,” said Hernandez.
Arizona’s Family news chopper arrived over the scene and spotted armored SWAT trucks at a home. The home’s garage and windows were destroyed as armed police surrounded the home.
Police say Marchetti refused to come out of the home and peacefully surrender to police.
Around 3 p.m., the house caught fire with Marchetti still inside. Video from the scene showed how the fire erupted and tore through the home.
“Next thing you know, there was smoke. And after the smoke, there’s a huge ball of fire coming from the back of the house and it just spread from the back all the way to the front,” said Hector Holguin, Arizona’s Family drone operator, who was on the scene when the fire started. “It just progressed. It collapsed the roof.”
Because Marchetti might still have been in the home, firefighters couldn’t get too close to the flames, which delayed their response. They also heard gunfire coming from inside the house, Hernandez said.

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“Firefighters don’t wear bulletproof vests. Firefighters don’t have weapons so they are vulnerable on these kinds of situations so it’s imperative that law enforcement stabilize that scene in such a way that it’s safe to address the fire,” said Andy Anderson, a former assistant Phoenix Police chief.
Firefighters used two ladder trucks to spray the house with water and water down the house next door to keep the flames from spreading.
By 4:30 p.m., the fire appeared to have been put out, but firefighters were still mopping up hot spots. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Hernandez said.
Neighbors in the new-build community say they are shocked and horrified by what happened. Multiple neighbors who spoke with Arizona’s Family off camera say they’ve passed that house several times and have never noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Deidre Baumann was in town visiting a friend who live directly across the street and was stuck in the home all day and night while everything played out.
“We were standing to the side of the windows or down to the floor because easily a bullet could have traveled through the window watching much of what occurred. The worst part of it was we knew that there was a mother and baby who lived across the street. According to my friend, mother always had baby on her hip,” said Baumann. “It’s very difficult to understand how something like this can happen. How a father can shoot at a six-month year-old baby. That is beyond evil and it’s hard to process to think what the mother must be going through now.”
Neighbors who are affected are asked to call the Surprise Police Department’s non-emergency number at 623-222-4000.
A GoFundMe has been made to help the mother and baby as they recover during this time. If you would like to donate, click/tap here.
There are resources available for domestic violence survivors. For more information, click/tap here.
This is the 27th officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County and the 40th officer-involved shooting in the state.

It’s the second police shooting in two days.
Phoenix officers were involved in a shootout on Thursday with a homicide suspect near 26th Avenue and Cactus Road. No officers were hurt, and the suspect died at the hospital.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:17 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life after nearly drowning in “an extremely tragic accident” in a Phoenix backyard pool this weekend.
First responders were called to a home around 3 p.m. Sunday near 15th Avenue and Osborn Road for a reported drowning. Phoenix police said family members performed CPR on the young girl prior to the firefighters’ arrival.
The child was then hospitalized in critical condition, police said.
Through an investigation, authorities learned the girl was playing a volleyball game in the pool with others when it was noticed she had gone underwater and did not return to the surface. Another person jumped into the pool and found the girl’s hair was stuck on an underwater light fixture.
Several adults assisted in freeing the girl and pulling her from the pool, police said.
Phoenix PD said the child was reported to be a strong swimmer, and the incident was an “extremely tragic” accidental drowning.
There were no signs of foul play.
Editor’s Note: The child’s age was originally reported as 10. The story has been updated to correctly reflect her actual age.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:23 am

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SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) — A man and his two young children are dead following an apparent murder-suicide, Surprise police announced Tuesday morning.
Brock Mater, 34, along with his 7-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, were found dead during a welfare check early Monday afternoon.
That morning, a woman who was concerned about her children called 911, telling dispatchers she was going through a divorce and that her son and daughter had been staying with her estranged husband since last Friday afternoon. She hadn’t heard from them since, and on Monday, their school called her to report an unexcused absence.

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Brock Mater, 34, (pictured above) along with his 7-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, were found dead during a welfare check at a home in Surprise early Monday afternoon.(Surprise Police Dept.)
She said she tried calling Mater multiple times and went to his apartment in the area of Bell and Litchfield roads, but she got no answer when knocking on the door, even though his car was parked outside.
Officers responded and also got no answer at the door. Police say the officers then forced their way inside and found Mater and the two children dead from being shot in the head.
Investigators recovered a rifle on Mater’s lap.
Detectives spoke with neighbors who thought they heard the sound of fireworks on Sunday night. That’s when police believe the shooting occurred.
A woman who claims to be the adoptive grandmother of the two children told Arizona’s Family the situation has been so hard to process and she already misses the two kids.

During the investigation, detectives also learned Mater had recently been undergoing mental health treatment.
“It is our understanding that while they were separated, he was going and actively seeking and actively receiving mental health treatment, and that treatment was going well,” Surprise Police Sgt. Rick Hernandez said.
Hernandez said officers had previously responded to Mater’s home due to a mental health crisis last October and that he was taken for treatment at that time. He stressed that Mater had no criminal history in the city.
“Mental health, domestic violence, it doesn’t know ZIP codes. It doesn’t know socio-economic status, and it can happen to anybody, anywhere,” Sgt. Hernandez said. “The thing we can always encourage everybody to do is if you or your loved one is experiencing crisis, mental health issues, is to seek treatment.”
He said the first step can be to call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

‘Weighing a heavy toll’

It’s the second domestic violence situation involving children in Surprise in only a matter of days.
Last Friday, a 7-month-old boy was shot multiple times by his father before being rescued by officers responding to reports of a hostage situation. The house burned down following an hours-long standoff, and 51-year-old Todd Christopher Marchetti was found dead the next day after taking his own life.

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Baby shot at Surprise home

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Family says MRI clean, intubation removed from baby shot multiple times

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Body cam video shows officers rescuing baby who was shot in Surprise home

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Baby who was shot undergoes 3 surgeries, still in ICU after standoff

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Suspect identified in Surprise standoff turned house fire

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Details on domestic violence situation of mother, suspect in Surprise standoff

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Baby expected to recover after being shot during standoff in Surprise

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Surprise police identify suspect in standoff that left baby hospitalized, home destroyed

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Unclear who started Surprise house fire after baby found shot

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Neighbors saddened after baby shot multiple times at Surprise home

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Baby in surgery after being shot in Surprise; fire destroys home

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Surprise police give update standoff that left baby injured, home engulfed in flames

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Active police situation shuts down Surprise neighborhood
That young boy, Jaxson, has already had at least three surgeries and is expected to survive.
Sgt. Hernandez says many of the same officers responded to both scenes.
“Our department is rocked,” Sgt. Hernandez said. “I will share with you that a number of the officers who responded to the hostage situation on May 17, they were the officers that responded yesterday.”
He said those officers are off duty on Tuesday.
“They are with their loved ones, trying to recover and recuperate,” he added. “It’s weighing a heavy toll.”
Psychologist Michael Klinkner said community members will also need time to process the events that have hit the city of Surprise so hard. That’s even more true for family members and friends.
“Grief is rough, grief with children is so incredibly rough,” Klinkner said. “For a child, the grief that they are gone is also there, but the life that they could have lived.”
As far as Mater’s mental health history, Klinkner believes there were signs that were missed before the shooting.
“For signs of homicidal ideation, you are going to see an escalation in mood and anger and chaotic behavior and irritability and those kinds of things. They are also probably going to discuss that they are having thoughts of doing something like that,” said Klinkner.
To donate to Jaxson and Allie’s recovery click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-allie-and-jaxsons-path-to-recovery

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:26 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A 2-year-old boy is dead after being pulled from a backyard pool in Phoenix’s Maryvale neighborhood on Wednesday night.
It happened at a home near 79th Avenue and Indian School.
When crews arrived, the toddler was unconscious and not breathing, firefighters said.
They started CPR and rushed the boy to the hospital, where he later died.
Firefighters didn’t say how long the child was in the water.
Aerial video from Arizona’s Family news chopper showed there was a pool fence.
A police investigation is underway.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:31 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Scary moments on Thursday afternoon when a pickup truck driver crashed in a house in south Phoenix.
It happened in the area of 24th Avenue and Baseline Road around 3:30 p.m.
Aerial video from Arizona’s Family news chopper showed part of the back wall next to Baseline Road damaged, and a white pickup truck crashed into the back part of the home.
The truck remains in the back of the house.
Debris was scattered through the back patio.
According to police, a man had some sort of medical issue before crashing his truck.
No one was home at the time of the crash.
Police said fire crews evaluated the man but he didn’t need to go to the hospital.
One lane of Baseline Road was blocked but there is no major backup.
An investigation is underway.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:33 am

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MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A 7-year-old girl is dead after a driver hit her in what police called a tragic accident that happened Thursday evening.
“So sad for her to only be seven years old and lose her life. I can’t imagine what the parents are going through,” said a neighbor who didn’t want to share her name.
It happened just after 6:15 p.m. on Third Avenue, which is north of Broadway Road and Ashland, just west of Horne.
Police said the girl was on a scooter when she was hit. Authorities say the driver was headed westbound when he turned right into the driveway and parked in the back of the building.
The driver then walked to the front of the building and noticed that the girl and her scooter were lying in the driveway. That driver then called 911.
Candles, stuffed animals, and balloons have formed a memorial near the scene of the accident. Neighbors say they are shocked and heartbroken by the tragedy.
“Very traumatic and no parent should ever go through this. I’m a grandmother and I wouldn’t wish this on nobody, it was the worst thing that could ever happen,” said a neighbor who didn’t want to share her name. She says she was there after the child was hit and killed while riding her scooter near her home.
“Everyone was sad and scared,” said another neighbor, Oscar Suazo. “It’s something that nobody expected.”
Investigators say that surveillance video gathered showed the driver hit the girl as he was pulling into the driveway.
The driver was not impaired, and speed was not a factor, according to police. They say the man was driving a large truck into the sun at the time of the crash and call this a horrible accident.
“She had her gorilla stuffed animal with her there when she was lying on the ground. It was a very sad. Her brother didn’t leave her side either,” said a neighbor who didn’t want to share her name.
The girl’s father told Arizona’s Family this happened on his daughter’s last day of first grade at Lowell Elementary, right by where the family lives. He says she was excited to start second grade next year.
The school released the following statement Friday afternoon, adding that staff has reached out to the family to see if they need any assistance:

“Our student was a bright light at Lowell Elementary. Known throughout our school as a bundle of joy, she was always eager to learn, with a smile on her face every day. She will be dearly missed by all of us, especially by her teachers and classmates.”
Lowell Elementary School

“She would sit there and play with dolls and stuff. She didn’t bother nobody, the little girl,” said a neighbor who didn’t want to share her name.
Arizona’s Family spoke with the driver in this case off-camera. He lives just feet away from the memorial. He had tears in his eyes when sharing how remorseful he is. He says he just didn’t see her and as soon as he realized what happened, he called 911 and cooperated with police. Mesa Police say the investigation is closed, and no charges will be filed.
Editor’s Note: Initial information from Mesa Police said the crash was a hit-and-run. This information has since been corrected by police to reflect the driver stayed on scene.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:36 am

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GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) —A 4-year-old girl has died after being pulled from a Glendale swimming pool Thursday evening.
Police say around 7:30 p.m., Glendale police say the girl fell into the pool at a home on 63rd Avenue and Camelback Road.

When firefighters arrived, CPR was already in progress. They continued to work to save the girl’s life while en route to the hospital.
In an update on Friday morning, authorities confirmed the girl died at the hospital.
Police say no charges will be filed as no evidence of foul play or suspicious activity was found.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:38 am

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BUCKEYE, AZ (AZFamily) — A motorcyclist has died after a crash involving a semi-truck near Buckeye on Friday morning. He’s since been identified as 28-year-old Alexander Panerio.
According to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies, a motorcycle and semi collided near MC 85 and Baseline Road around 4:30 a.m. Panerio was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver was not injured, deputies say.

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According to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies, a motorcycle and semi collided near MC 85 and Baseline Road around 4:30 a.m. on Friday.(Arizona's Family)
MCSO Vehicle Crimes Unit detectives responded to the scene. Based on the investigation, MCSO says the semi-truck was turning left onto a private drive when Panerio, who was driving the same direction, tried to pass the truck on the left in a no-passing zone. He then collided with the truck.
Detectives are investigating to see if speed was a factor in the collision.
Officials say the semi-truck had a diesel spill but hazmat crews have contained the spill.
Baseline Road was shut down for eastbound and westbound traffic between Turner Road and MC 85 for several hours during the investigation Friday morning.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:41 am

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ALPINE, AZ (AZFamily) — A black bear has been killed after state officials say he attacked a 15-year-old boy inside a cabin Thursday night in eastern Arizona.
Brigham Hawkins was at his family’s cabin near Blue River Road in Alpine watching YouTube with the door open when a bear came in through an open door and swiped at him from behind, his mother Carol Hawkins said.
Brigham can’t move fast because he has a rare neurological disorder.
His brother Parker heard him screaming and went into the room to get Brigham when the bear started charging at him, Carol said.
The bear reportedly came back inside and swiped at Brigham’s arm.
Brigham was taken to a hospital with injuries to his face and arm.
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, wildlife officers responded and quickly located and killed the male black bear, estimated to be 3 years old. The remains will be examined and tested for disease.
“Black bears are predatory animals and should always be considered unpredictable and dangerous,” the AZGFD said in a news release about the attack.
This marks the 16th bear attack on people in Arizona since 1990. Of those attacks, two were deadly.
The most recent incident happened nearly a year ago, where a 66-year-old man was killed in an unprovoked attack near Prescott.
Arizona Game and Fish reminds people who visit or live in bear-inhabited parts of the state to always be aware of their surroundings.
The state agency advises keeping food and other “attractants” secured and avoiding leaving food in a tent or on a grill. It’s also suggested that campsites be set up away from places bears might forage for food, such as bodies of water.
Hike in groups, make noise, and avoid wearing scented lotions, deodorants, or perfume. Keep pets on a leash.
If you encounter a bear, the AZGFD says that you should not run. Instead, back away slowly while keeping eye contact with the bear.
Make yourself appear bigger by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket higher than your head. Officials say to throw items and yell at the bear and, if attacked, to fight back.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 1:43 am

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A 7-year-old girl is in the hospital after she was found unconscious and not breathing in a north Phoenix backyard pool on Friday evening.
It happened at a home near the Loop 101 Pima Freeway and 19th Avenue.
Firefighters said CPR was performed on the girl before crews arrived.
When they got there, the girl was breathing on her own.
She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
It’s unclear how long the girl was in the water or if there was a pool fence.
For tips to keep children safe around water, click/tap here.

by **Paul** Sat 01 Jun 2024, 7:13 pm

GILA RIVER, AZ (AZFamily) — A Gila River police officer has died, and another remains in the hospital after a shooting early Saturday morning.
Around 2 a.m., Gila River Public Safety Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a disturbance at a home in Santan, located in District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.
Gila River Police Department (GRPD) officers arrived at the scene and found a large crowd, where multiple gunshots were fired. Two officers were struck by gunfire, along with four other people at the scene.
The six injured people were rushed to the hospital. Sadly, Gila River Police Officer Joshua Briese died from his injuries. The second officer remains in serious but stable condition. One other person was pronounced dead, but a name hasn’t been released.

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Gila River Police Officer Joshua Briese died after responding to a disturbance at a home in Santan on Saturday.(Gila River Police Department)
Officer Briese was the son of Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dave Briese, who died in the line of duty on Nov. 3, 2006, in Montana. The department confirmed the father-son both passed away, stating, “All we can say is God Speed and rest easy. Knowing Dave & Josh are together again, both left this world serving their community and doing what they loved.”

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Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dave Briese, died in the line of duty on Nov. 3, 2006, in Montana. His son, Josh, a Gila River police officer was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance on Saturday.(Courtesy of Officer Down Memorial Page)
Officer Briese had been with the department for less than a year and was still in field training.
“Our hearts and prayers are with these police officers, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” the department posted on Facebook.
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community released a statement regarding the deadly shooting.

Early this morning, I learned there was a serious shooting incident in the community with multiple gunshot victims, including two Gila River Police Department officers and as many as four community members at the scene. While the facts are being investigated by the FBI and GRPD, I have been told that one of our officers – Officer Joshua Briese – died in the line of duty as a result of his injuries. Our second officer remains in serious but stable condition after surgery.
At least one community member died as well. All the injured are being treated at local hospitals.
We are coordinating closely with law enforcement to make sure we have a comprehensive understanding of what happened here.
I know I speak for our entire community when I say that we grieve for our fallen and injured police officers and every community member touched by such tragic violence. Nothing cuts deeper than a life cut short. We will pray for our officers and their families, and for every community member, every loved one, and every family impacted by what happened this morning.
As we await further facts, our focus will be on finding a path to healing from this tragic incident.
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis

The Gila River Police Department is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation.

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Around 2 a.m., Gila River Public Safety Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a disturbance at a home in Santan, located in District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.(Arizona's Family)

Reaction from city and state officials

State officials and local police departments paid tribute to Officer Briese throughout the day on Saturday.
“FBI Phoenix mourns the loss of Officer Joshua Briese who lost his life in the line of duty. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” FBI Phoenix posted on X.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Officer Joshua Briese from the Gila River Police Department, who lost his life in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the department during this difficult time,” Phoenix Police tweeted.
“Our hearts are heavy as we join Gila River Police in paying tribute to Officer Joshua Briese, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Our deepest sympathies go out to his colleagues and loved ones. Officer Briese, we are grateful for your service. May you rest in peace,” Apache Junction Police Department tweeted.
“Our thoughts are with Gila River Police Department. Ofc Briese’s family, we mourn with you and we’re here for you. To the injured officer we are praying for your recovery. Our police officers will always run toward danger to protect the community they serve. We stand together,” Mesa Police posted on X.
“With heavy hearts, we join the Gila River Police Department in mourning the loss of Officer Joshua Briese, a dedicated brother in service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him,” Chandler police posted on X.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues at the Gila River Police Dept. following the death of Officer Joshua Briese in the line of duty today. Officer Briese was fatally wounded while responding to a disturbance at a home in Santan, in the Gila River Indian Community. AZDPS extends our deepest condolences to Officer Briese’s family, colleagues and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We also send our best wishes for a full recovery to the second GRPD officer injured in this tragic incident,” the Department of Public Safety tweeted.
Rep. Greg Stanton was among the first political leaders to speak about Officer Briese’s death. “This is devastating news. My deepest condolences to Officer Joshua Briese’s family, loved ones and his Gila River Police Department colleagues. I’m keeping the second officer injured in today’s shooting in my prayers,” he posted on X.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated on X that her heart was heavy after learning the news that Officer Briese and his father were both killed in the line of duty. My prayers go out to the officer’s family & friends, his extended family at Gila River Police and the Gila River Indian community. He is the son of a Montana deputy who also died in the line of duty. We owe an incalculable debt to their family. I continue to pray for the recovery of the other officer,” she said.

Senate candidate Kari Lake also took to X to share her condolences. “These attacks against law enforcement are becoming all too common. I send my deepest condolences to Officer Briese’s loved ones & pray that the second officer makes a complete recovery,” she said.
“My heart is with the family and colleagues of Officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Police Department. Officer Briese was tragically killed early this morning. Another officer was also injured — my thoughts are with them and their family as well as we hope for a swift recovery,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes posted on X.
Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer released a statement about the fallen officer.

“I am devastated to hear of the passing of Officer Joshua Briese. Our thoughts are with his family, the Gila River Police Department and the entire Gila River community. We also hope for a full recovery for the second officer and all others impacted in this incident. This is a sad day and a sober reminder of the dangerous job our law enforcement officers take on in service to our communities.”
Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer

by **Paul** Sun 02 Jun 2024, 6:53 pm

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A man is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., Phoenix Police officers were called to an armed robbery in the area of 13th Street and Palm Lane.
Officers arrived and were told the suspect was on a motorcycle. Police soon found a man fitting the suspect description in an alley sitting on a motorcycle. Police say the man was armed with a gun.
According to police, as officers got out of the car, the man raised a gun, and that’s when the officer-involved shooting occurred. The officers provided aid to the man, and he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
No officers were injured.
Police believe the suspect was trying to steal the motorcycle from someone, which initiated the 911 robbery call.
An investigation is underway. The suspect has not been identified.

by **Paul** Fri 07 Jun 2024, 1:46 pm

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QUEEN CREEK, AZ (AZFamily) — A young girl has died following a collision in Queen Creek earlier this week. Now, the driver of one of the other vehicles involved is facing charges, including murder.
The two-vehicle crash happened just after 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday near Hunt Highway and Power Road. Town officials say a minivan was stopped at a stop sign when it was rear-ended by another vehicle going almost 60 miles per hour, adding that the driver never hit the brakes.
Video from the scene showed severe damage to the back of a minivan.
An adult and two children were in the minivan, including a 4-year-old girl who was flown to a hospital in critical condition. While the other two were not seriously hurt, the young girl passed away on Thursday.

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A man has been arrested following a crash in Queen Creek earlier this week that left a 4-year-old girl dead.(Arizona's Family/Pinal County Sheriff's Office)
Investigators say the driver of the other vehicle, 33-year-old Jason Sanchez, had a BAC of 0.11 at the time of the crash. He was initially booked into the Pinal County Jail for aggravated assault and DUI, but an additional charge of second-degree murder has since been added.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this incredibly difficult time; the loss of a child is unimaginable,” Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said in an emailed news release. “Drinking and driving is a reckless and dangerous choice that endangers the lives of everyone on the road.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the young girl’s family with medical bills and, now, funeral arrangements. Tap/click here for more information and to make a donation.
The crash remains under investigation.

by **Paul** Tue 11 Jun 2024, 5:17 pm

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MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A young boy has died after being pulled from a small lake at a Mesa apartment complex on Tuesday afternoon.
Police and fire crews responded to Lakeview at Superstition Springs on Power Road near Superstition Springs Boulevard around 1:15 p.m.
A 911 caller told dispatchers that a child had fallen into the lake near one of the buildings and was still in the water.
When officers arrived about two minutes later, Mesa police said the boy had already been pulled from the water and that someone was administering CPR.
Officers took over until Mesa Fire and Medical crews arrived, who continued lifesaving measures before taking him to a hospital. That’s where the child later died around 2 p.m.
Police say an employee of the complex saw the boy in the water and jumped in to pull him out.
It’s unclear how long he was in the water or how he got there, although Mesa police say his parents live at the apartment complex.
Mesa Police Det. Richard Encinas says that right now, this appears to be a tragic accident.
An investigation is ongoing.

by **Paul** Wed 19 Jun 2024, 7:00 pm

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An apparent cyberattack is impacting car dealerships around the United States, including several dealers across Arizona, according to multiple reports.
CNN reported Tuesday morning that data provider CDK Global, which is used at 15,000 auto dealers, was hit with a “cyber incident.”
However other outlets, including CBS News and Automotive News detailed that the incident appeared to be involving a hack into the company’s software, which impacted dealers in eight states including Arizona.
News of the cyberattack comes just days after the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported about an cyberattack affecting Findlay Auto Group, which also has dealerships in Arizona.
“Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible,” a CDK spokesperson told outlets.
As of Tuesday afternoon, some systems went back online, but several social media reports indicate that many dealers are unable to process sales deals or other transactions.
Tech blog Bleeping Computer reported that the cyberattack prompted CDK to “shut down its IT systems, phones, and applications to prevent the attack’s spread,”

by **Paul** Fri 21 Jun 2024, 10:29 am

4 children found in “poor living conditions” at Glendale apartment

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GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Authorities say four children were found in “poor living conditions” at a Glendale apartment on Friday morning.
Authorities say officers were serving a search warrant in connection to a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex near 67th Avenue and Bethany Home Road just before 9 a.m. According to Glendale Police Officer Moroni Mendez, while in the process of serving the search warrant, officers found four children inside the apartment and in need of medical assistance.
All children were hospitalized, but their conditions are unknown at this time.
Police confirmed a woman who was inside the apartment was taken into custody for the car theft, but it’s unclear if she’ll face charges for the condition the children were found in. Her relationship with the kids hasn’t been released.
However, Mendez said the Arizona Department of Child Safety will be contacted.
Arizona’s Family will update the story with additional information as we learn more.

by **Paul** Fri 21 Jun 2024, 10:36 am

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by **Paul** Fri 21 Jun 2024, 3:40 pm

Fast-moving brush fire forces evacuations near Apache Junction; SR 88 closed near Lost Dutchman

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APACHE JUNCTION, AZ (AZFamily) — A popular scenic route that provides access to Lost Dutchman State Park and Canyon Lake is closed to westbound traffic due to a fast-moving brush fire.
Initial reports of a fire came in around 1:45 p.m. to the area of SR 88 and MP 201, just south of the state park.
Arizona’s Family has confirmed the entire area of Goldfield has been evacuated.

ADOT is urging drivers to avoid the area and to expect delays throughout the afternoon.
There is no estimated time for when the highway might reopen, and there are no reports of any injuries at this time.
Arizona’s Family has a crew on the way to the scene. Check back for update

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by **Paul** Wed 03 Jul 2024, 4:11 pm

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Police have released the name of a boy who died after being rescued from South Mountain in Phoenix on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Phoenix police identified the boy as 10-year-old Cortinez Logan. Authorities say he and his family recently moved to Phoenix from Missouri.
Fire crews were called out to the Mormon Trailhead near 24th Street and Baseline around 2 p.m. because Logan became overheated.
Firefighters said they found him about one mile from the trailhead with family members.
Video from our Arizona’s Family news chopper showed firefighters doing chest compressions on Logan on the trail.
Crews put Logan in a basket and a Phoenix Fire Department helicopter pilot flew him off the mountain.
He was then loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Firefighters say reports indicate Logan was on the trail for several hours, possibly since the mid-morning before crews were called.
The forecasted high for Phoenix on Tuesday was 113 degrees. However, the National Weather Service did not issue an extreme heat watch or warning.
“We do have a lot of beautiful hiking trails here in the city of Phoenix and we want people to feel encouraged to use those trails early in the morning or later in the evening. Please avoid the sun at all costs. Seek shade, stay hydrated and limit your exposure to the sun as much as you can,” said Phoenix Fire Capt. Shaun Dubios.
Phoenix police are investigating.

by **Paul** Wed 31 Jul 2024, 4:09 pm

2 others listed in critical condition

A 72-year-old woman and two 4-year-old boys were killed after a pontoon boat capsized at Lake Powell in northern Arizona on Friday afternoon.

By Ben Bradley
Published: Jul. 27, 2024 at 6:20 PM MST|Updated: Jul. 27, 2024 at 10:02 PM MST

PAGE, AZ (AZFamily) — A woman and two young children are dead after a pontoon boat carrying 11 people capsized on Lake Powell in northern Arizona on Friday.
Two others are listed in critical condition.
“It’s not unusual for us to investigate a death on the water periodically throughout the year. However, the magnitude of this—we’ve got three fatalities and two in critical condition is not a common circumstance and it’s definitely tragic,” said Lt. Adam Simonsen with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s tragic for everybody involved.”
Shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, the National Park Service (NPS) Glen Canyon Regional Communications Center was notified that a boat had overturned on Lake Powell near Navajo Canyon.
According to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, a 25-foot pontoon boat was being towed by another boat when waves caused the pontoon to capsize. The sheriff’s office says several of the 11 passengers became trapped underneath the overturned boat.

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A woman and two young children are dead after a pontoon boat overturned Friday afternoon in Lake Powell.(Coconino County Sheriff's Office)
Park rangers with the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area responded and found the scene, where one person was standing on the underside of the overturned boat, and others were still in the water.
The sheriff’s office says nearby boaters were helping people out of the water, but some passengers were unaccounted for. Officials say two people were flown by medical helicopter to ambulances waiting nearby while rescuers continued searching.
As of Saturday, officials report that two 4-year-old boys and a woman have been confirmed dead. The woman has been identified as 72-year-old Melissa Bean.
It’s currently unclear how many others were hurt, but officials say all passengers were located.

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‘Weighing a heavy toll’

Reaction from city and state officials