Gilbert, Ariz. - On October 20, 2025, at approximately 1:48 AM, the Mesa Police Department’s air unit (Falcon) observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe traveling at high speeds near N. Higley Road and E. Elliot Road in Gilbert. The vehicle was observed to be driving at more than 80 MPH on residential streets, posing a serious risk to the public.

With Mesa Falcon providing real-time aerial updates, multiple Gilbert units attempted traffic stops on the vehicle. The driver failed to stop and made multiple evasive maneuvers to flee and elude the officers.   

The vehicle continued into Mesa, running a red light at high speed. Officers attempted another traffic stop, but the vehicle quickly disappeared from view, preventing further engagement.

The vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 MPH, drove without headlights, ignored traffic control devices, and was even seen going airborne over uneven terrain, both on major roads and through residential neighborhoods. This extreme behavior was unprovoked by any direct police pursuit, as no marked or unmarked units were close enough to engage.

The vehicle returned to Gilbert shortly after 2:00 AM, where it collided with a handicap railing at a business near Cooper and Baseline Roads. A passenger in the vehicle was later seen exiting the vehicle, but was unable to be located. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in a neighborhood near Recker and Warner Roads, where the driver then exited the vehicle, jumped into a backyard, and was apprehended shortly thereafter by both Mesa and Gilbert officers. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.

The 13-year-old driver admitted to knowingly taking his mother’s Chevrolet Tahoe without permission to go on a drive and was subsequently arrested and booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center – Durango on the following:

Gilbert charges:

• Four counts of A.R.S. § 28-622.01, Unlawful Flight from Pursuing Law Enforcement Vehicle 
• A.R.S. § 28-693(A), Reckless Driving
• A.R.S. § 28-701.02(A)(2), Excessive Speeds
• A.R.S. § 28-665(A)(1), Striking Fixtures on a Highway 
• A.R.S. § 13-1803(A)(1), Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation
• A.R.S. § 13-3619, Permitting Life, Healthor Morals of Minor to be Imperiled by Neglect, Abuse, or Immoral Associations
• A.R.S. § 13-3623(B)(2), Child or Vulnerable Adult Abuse
• A.R.S. § 13-1504(A)(2), Criminal Trespass in the First Degree

This incident highlights the professionalism, rapid coordination, and strong interagency collaboration between the Mesa and Gilbert Police Departments, resulting in a safe and effective resolution to an extremely high-risk situation. 

Charged or submitted offenses are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.