GILBERT, AZ — Gilbert police arrested four people including two juveniles on Wednesday in connection to a violent group attack on a teenager at a parking lot in August.
Gilbert police accuse 18-year-olds Christopher Fantastic and Aris Arredondo, as well as two 16-year-olds, of assault and robbery of a teen boy at an In-N-Out parking lot in Gilbert. Fantastic is being held on a $25,000 secured bond, according to jail records. Arredondo appeared in front of a judge Thursday and is also being held on a $25,000 secured bond. The two 16-year-olds will be referred to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court.
On January 19, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Fantastic had been indicted for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. On January 22, Mitchell announced another indictment, this time against Aris Arredondo for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.
All four face charges connected to aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. Gilbert police say they are still working to identify additional individuals believed to be involved in the attack.
ABC15 is taking action to get the answers needed as teen violence incidents occur in the East Valley. Follow our latest coverage here.
During Fantastic and Arredondo's court appearances, Maricopa County Attorney's Office prosecutor Brooke Gaunt told the judge, she was "extremely concerned about the safety of the community."
"Not only was this a vicious attack that caused injury to a minor," Gaunt said, "but it was a planned and concerted plot against this minor victim to get back at him for reporting threats to his school."
The Maricopa County Attorney held a weekly press conference Wednesday where ABC15 Investigators asked about multiple East Valley teen assault cases:
Later on Wednesday, Pinal County Sheriff's Office officials said a 20-year-old man is in custody in connection to an attack on a teenager in San Tan Valley in November.
Tuesday night, Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg said his agency was investigating nine total teen violence cases. It is unclear if that count includes the Aug. 18, 2023, attack.
FULL COVERAGE: ABC15 team coverage on East Valley teen violence
Two weeks ago, the Gilbert Police Department released pictures from the attack and asked for the public's help in identifying individuals who were involved. Investigators said the attack on the night of August 18 happened in a parking lot near Williams Field Road and Market Road, near an In-N-Out restaurant.
Rick Kuehner, the father of the alleged victim, spoke to ABC15 in December. He said his son is now living out of the country with his mother out of fear for his safety.
"He's lucky not to have suffered permanent physical injuries," prosecutor Gaunt said. "However, the victim will likely suffer permanent emotional and psychological damage."
ABC15 reporters Nicole Grigg, Ashley Holden and Melissa Blasius are covering developments surrounding teen violence in the southeast Valley. Have a tip? Email us at investigators@abc15.com