Mesa SWAT Standoff Ends After Alleged Assault on Mother, Officers Use Less-Lethal Rounds

Overview

• Mesa police say they responded late Friday near University Drive and Gilbert Road after a mother reported an assault by her adult son.
• Investigators say the son stole his mother's vehicle, which was spotted around 7:30 a.m. Saturday near Stapley Drive and Main Street before the driver fled a stop attempt.
• The car was found back at the home, the victim exited safely, and she told officers the suspect was alone inside.
• SWAT negotiated for hours until the man came out, refused commands, and, according to police, threw rocks, prompting bean bag and pepper ball rounds.
• Police say he was taken into custody, transported to a hospital with minor injuries, and is expected to face counts including unlawful flight, theft of means of transportation, resisting arrest, assault, criminal damage, and preventing use of a telephone in an emergency.