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Phoenix firefighter arrested, accused of abusing multiple women

Multiple women alleged the suspect assaulted or attacked them. The fire department said the suspect has been placed on administrative leave.

PHOENIX — An engineer for the Phoenix Fire Department was arrested Thursday for allegations of sex crimes.

Jonathan Estrella, 50, was taken into custody after three women came forward with disturbing allegations against the fire department employee, court records show. 

In December 2023, Estrella allegedly attempted to assault two women in the parking lot of a bar on Camelback Road in Phoenix.

One of the women alleged Estrella escorted her to his vehicle under false pretenses before he allegedly started to move his hands under her dress. The woman claimed she tried pushing him away before the assault was "interrupted," records show.

On the same night, another woman claimed Estrella offered to drive her home. He allegedly moved his hands under her dress and the woman fought back. A struggle ensued but the attack was interrupted when the woman answered a phone call from her worried friends, resulting in the suspect letting her out of the vehicle.

Estrella allegedly sent "apology messages" to the women through Instagram, records show.

Another incident dating back to 2006 is mentioned in Estrella's court records that details a date a woman went on with Estrella. The woman claimed she "blacked out" during the date and woke up to the suspect assaulting her in his bed.

Estrella was booked into Maricopa County jail on April 18. Records show he could be facing charges of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and kidnapping.

In a statement, the Phoenix Fire Department said the agency was aware of the allegations against Estrella and he's been placed on administrative leave.

"The Phoenix Fire Department takes all allegations against our members seriously as we strive to serve the community with the highest level of customer service," the agency wrote in a statement.

   

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