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SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. - A 20-year-old man, who reportedly said he's part of the "Gilbert Goons" group, has been arrested in connection with an incident on Nov. 18, 2023, that left a teen injured.
Jacob Pennington of Gilbert was arrested for his alleged involvement in the case, which happened in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive in San Tan Valley, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said on Jan. 10
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office probable cause statement says Pennington told investigators he's part of the "Gilbert Goons" group and said the "moniker originated from a Snapchat group chat."
Pennington reportedly told investigators that the fight in question started because he was defending his female friend who he says was hit by the victim.
Jacob Pennington
Witnesses told investigators they saw the victim being hit in the face several times by Pennington. Two witnesses say they had "independent knowledge of Jacob prior to the altercation."
In a video of the fight, police say Pennington was seen hitting the victim in the face. When the victim tried to run away, Pennington reportedly ran after them and was yelling racial slurs.
Pennington caught up with the victim and continued the assault, documents said. At one point, Pennington reportedly held the victim down while others kicked the victim.
"The victim was eventually assisted up by a friend, and was able to flee from Jacob and the other assailants on foot before speaking with law enforcement," the statement read.
The victim is doing OK.
"A 16-year-old male victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment. He was not able to immediately identify his attackers," read a portion of PCSO's statement. "A video of the incident was later posted to social media. A Detective from our Criminal Investigations Bureau was assigned to the case and worked to interview witnesses and identify all individuals present that evening."
An investigation, according to officials, remains ongoing. Officials also say more arrests are possible.
"The Detective assigned to this case is also assigned to an information sharing group led by Gilbert PD to ensure cooperative efforts for any overlapping investigations," read a portion of the statement.
While the two cases do not appear to be linked, Pennington's arrest was announced on the same day Gilbert Police officials announced the arrest of 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic in connection with his alleged involvement in an assault and robbery incident that happened at a Gilbert parking lot in August 2023. Fantastic was arrested on Jan. 9.