In April of 2017, Department’s opened an investigation into an allegation of child molestation by 57-year-old James Rhodes, a former volunteer at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church located at 3701 N. Arizona Ave. Rhodes was arrested by the Mesa Police Department on September 14, 2017 and, while still incarcerated, Chandler detectives filed seven counts of Child Molestation against him.
On Monday, September 18, 2017, Chandler police officers found a three-year-old female dog named Panda with a severe laceration to her throat. Investigators have ruled out Panda’s injuries were caused by another animal and believe her throat was intentionally cut with a sharp object. Detectives are searching for any information in this case.
In February, 2017, Chandler Police learned of possible criminal acts by members of the Hamilton High School football team against their teammates. Investigators learned six players, five juveniles and one adult, were involved in acts of sexual and physical assault, … Continued
In July of 1987, 22-year-old Donna Mae Jokumsen was reported missing by her parents after failing to arrive at their Washington home. She was last seen alive on July 5th, 1987. When officers arrived at the Jokumsen residence, they found her husband Kevin and both their children, but Donna Mae was gone. On August 31, 2017, Kevin Jokumsen was arrested by the Auburn (Washington) Police Department for the murder of Donna Mae.
On Saturday, August 19, 2017, an unidentified black male walked into the Ben Bridge jewelry store inside the Chandler Fashion Mall and stole a diamond valued at sixteen thousand dollars. Police need help identifying the suspect.
When Chandler Police arrested, 36-year-old Anas Muraweh for trespassing, they discovered a large amount of cash and loose change was located inside his vehicle. Inside the roll of cash, detectives located personal checks made out to the Islamic Center of the East Valley. Muraweh, and a second unknown suspect, burglarized the mosque the night before.
On August 29, 2017, 47-year-old Patrick Robert McFarlin was arrested by the Chandler Police Department and charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. There are currently a number of victims, but Detectives believe additional victims may exist.
The Chandler Police Department’s Traffic Unit will participate in a DUI Task Force over the Labor Day weekend. Please remember to always wear your seatbelt and either designate a driver or call for a ride when alcohol consumption is a part of your holiday celebration.
On Saturday, August 26, 2017 around 9:00PM a shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Laguna Village Apartments located at 286 West Palomino Drive. Two people were killed and a third suffered life-threatening injuries. On August 27, 2017 at approximately 3:00PM, Taron Lavelle Watkins was identified as the possible shooter and arrested in Scottsdale.
In the early evening of Saturday, August 26th, a homicide occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at Arizona Avenue and Palomino Drive. Investigators are seeking out any additional witnesses to this crime.