Mesa Crime Report: Fraud, Theft, and a Tragic Murder-Suicide Headline Week's Incidents

Mesa Police Department Crime Report - Week of March 8-14, 2025

On March 8, officers responded to a fraud case at Rio Salado College Tempe. The incident is currently pending investigation.

A hit-and-run accident with no injuries occurred at Glendale Community College on March 9. The case was later determined to be unfounded.

On March 10, police investigated a theft at Glendale Community College. The case remains pending.

Officers responded to reports of criminal damage at Mesa Community College on March 11. The incident is under investigation.

A warrant arrest was made at Phoenix College on March 12.

On March 13, police responded to another fraud case at Estrella Mountain Community College. The incident is pending further investigation.

Officers investigated criminal damage at Rio Salado College on March 14. The case was handled administratively.

In a concerning incident on February 11, a murder-suicide occurred near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. A 34-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound and later died at the hospital. The suspect, 19-year-old Diego Borquez, was found deceased inside an apartment from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police classified this as a domestic violence case, with both individuals known to each other. The investigation is ongoing.

On December 21, 2024, police arrested 27-year-old Charles Smith for a reckless social media post involving the spraying of pesticides on produce at a Mesa Walmart. He faces charges of introducing poison, criminal damage, endangerment, and theft.

The Mesa Police Department continues to investigate an assault and indecent exposure case involving 18-year-old Gavin Harbour, who was arrested in connection with two separate incidents.

In a long-running case, police recently located a missing child, Brooklyn, who had been taken by her mother, Gerlach, in violation of a custody order. The child's father, Shawn, had been granted sole custody in February 2024. After extensive investigation, including collaboration with federal agencies and the Murrieta Police Department, Brooklyn was found in Murrieta, California. Gerlach faces charges of Identity Theft and Custodial Interference.

Overall, Mesa's crime rates are 5.5% lower than the national average. The city reported 2,193 violent crimes and 9,081 property crimes in the most recent data available. Year-over-year crime rates in Mesa have decreased by 7.2%, with violent crime increasing by 5.4% and property crime decreasing by 9.9%.

The Mesa Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. For emergencies, call 911. To report non-emergency crimes or provide tips, contact the Mesa Police Department's non-emergency line or use the department's online reporting system. If you have information about ongoing investigations, please contact the department directly. For those struggling with mental health issues or experiencing a crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.