News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
3 teens accused in Chandler crime spree
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Chandler police arrested three teenagers on suspicion of a laundry list of felonies, including attempted murder and arson after a crime spree Tuesday. A 16-year-old boy “took careful aim” and fired a handgun at an 18-year-old resident who stood in the window of a home where the shooter and two friends were burglarizing a car, said Detective David Ramer, Chandler police spokesman.
"He shoots at the silhouette," Ramer said.
The alleged shooter, Estevan Garcia Bernal, was booked on charges of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, shooting at an occupied structure, possession of stolen property, arson, car theft, hindering an investigation, burglary and misconduct involving weapons.
A 15-year-old boy was booked on the same charges as Garcia, except for arson and car theft. He was booked on an additional offense of unlawful use of means of transportation, or joy riding.
Ramer said that even though the 15-year-old didn't fire the weapon, he was booked on the attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges because he brought the gun.
Another 16-year-old was booked on charges of burglary, possession of burglary tools, arson, possession of stolen property, car theft and hindering prosecution.
The Tribune is not naming two of the juveniles because they are not accused of committing the violent act of shooting.
Ramer said the spree began about 6 p.m., when Garcia and the other 16-year-old stole a 2002 Toyota Corolla in the 300 block of East Commonwealth Avenue.
The car had keys in it.
The two boys picked up the 15-year-old, who had a gun.
They drove to a house in the 1700 block of East Camino Court about 9:30 p.m. where they decided to break into a car.
They saw someone standing in the window of the home, and Garcia aimed and fired, missing the person in the window and a person standing nearby, police said.
They sped away in the Toyota to a field near McQueen Road and Chandler Boulevard, where they set the car on fire.
Police converged on the area and caught one of the teenagers almost immediately and then worked throughout the night to find the other two, Ramer said.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: