GILBERT, AZ – Gilbert police have arrested four individuals, including two juveniles, in connection to a violent group attack on a teenager that occurred in August. The suspects, 18-year-olds Christopher Fantastic and Aris Arredondo, along with two 16-year-olds, are accused of assault and robbery of a teen boy in Gilbert. Both Fantastic and Arredondo are being held on $25,000 secured bonds, with the two 16-year-olds being referred to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court. Charges against all four individuals include aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. Authorities are also working to identify additional individuals believed to be involved in the attack.
During court appearances, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office prosecutor expressed concerns about the safety of the community, stating that the attack was a planned and concerted plot against the victim. This incident is part of a larger trend of teenage violence cases being investigated by the Gilbert Police Department, with nine cases currently under investigation. It is unclear if the August 18, 2023, attack is included in that count.
Additionally, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 20-year-old man is in custody in connection to a separate attack on a teenager in San Tan Valley in November. This ongoing issue has sparked concern among parents and the community, with one father expressing fears for his son’s safety, who is now living out of the country with his mother. The impact of such attacks extends beyond physical injuries, with the victim likely to suffer permanent emotional and psychological damage.
The Gilbert Police Department has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying individuals involved in the August attack, emphasizing the need for community support in addressing the issue of teen violence. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the community in light of these troubling incidents.