Teen violence: New arrests made in connection with Gilbert incidents
GILBERT, Ariz. - As Gilbert continues to deal with a number of teen violence cases, the police department announced new arrests on January 24.
Of the three people arrested, one is a 17-year-old juvenile accused of aggravated assault. The other two were identified as:
- Gage Garrison, 19, accused of aggravated assault
- Kyler Renner, 18, accused of aggravated assault, possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia
Gage Garrison (left) and Kyler Renner
Renner was arrested in connection with two cases: an assault outside a home in the area of Higley and Riggs Roads on Nov. 22, 2022 and an assault at a parking garage near Vaughn Avenue and Gilbert Road on Dec. 3, 2022.
Investigators say Garrison and the unidentified teen were arrested in connection with the incident at Vaughn and Gilbert. The case was left inactive until December 2023, when Gilbert Police received a video of what allegedly happened.
The investigation remains ongoing.
During Gilbert Police's investigation on Wednesday, they also arrested 50-year-old Travis Renner and 20-year-old Kiara Holsapple on suspicion of unrelated drug charges.
East Valley rocked by teen violence fallout
For months, various communities in Arizona have been dealing with violent incidents involving teens, with at least one incident in the Far East Valley turning deadly.
The deadly incident happened in Queen Creek in October 2023, and resulted in the death of Preston Lord. Queen Creek Police officials are investigating the case.
Besides the two cases mentioned above, Gilbert Police officials are also investigating a number of other cases, including a parking lot assault incident that happened on Aug. 18, 2023. Four people, including two juveniles, have been arrested in connection with that case. Of the four arrested, two of them have been indicted: 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic and 18-year-old Aris Arredondo.
People living in the area are speaking out after the arrests were announced.
"I kind of was in disbelief," said Derik Thoma. "I didn’t really believe it first, and then not an hour later, there’s 10 to 12 cop cars, so that’s when I thought ‘yeah, maybe this is real.’"
The East Valley is trying to make sense of teen-on-teen violence, with several attacks dating back at least two years – including one that turned deadly. But as for sorting out who did what and finding justice for the victims, clearly there's a long way to go.
According to the police, no parents were arrested. However, we have learned that OHM Fitness has severed ties with Renner's mother, Becky Renner.
FOX 10 reached out to Becky Renner, but we have not received a response.
"We need to make sure that our community is safe.. drugs, violence, alcohol abuse, any of that stuff.. Gilbert not for it.. I’ve lived here, my whole life," said resident Ethan Draper. "My feeling is that the entire valley needs to stand up. Don’t be afraid of these people. They want you to be scared. And anyone that has any more evidence. Please come forward."