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Teen indicted on aggravated assault charges for violent attack at Gilbert fast food restaurant

Christopher Fantastic, 18, is accused of punching another teen on Aug. 18, 2023, while the victim was on the ground, the MCAO said.

GILBERT, Ariz. — A teen accused of assault and robbery last August outside of an In-N-Out restaurant in Gilbert was indicted Friday on charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced.

Christopher Fantastic, 18, is accused of punching another teen on Aug. 18, 2023, while the victim was on the ground, the MCAO said. 

The victim's father previously told 12News that his son was taken to the emergency room after the attack and he later decided to send his son overseas to live with his mother due to the dangerous situation.

During Fantastic's initial appearance in court last week, a representative for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said the August incident was a planned attack and allegedly done in retaliation.

East Valley teen violence

The August incident occurred a couple of months before 16-year-old Preston Lord sustained fatal injuries during a Halloween party in Queen Creek – a case that has brought a spotlight on the prevalence of teen violence in the East Valley and the so-called "Gilbert Goons" group.

The Gilbert Police Department recently said it is now investigating at least nine incidents related to teen violence.

Mitchell said Wednesday that Fantastic's arrest is unrelated to the Lord case.

RELATED: It's been months since Preston Lord was killed; Queen Creek police say they aren't giving up the search for justice

Multiple arrests

Fantastic was arrested again earlier this week for allegedly being involved in a different "vicious attack," Mesa police said. 

The incident occurred on May 29, 2023 near Val Vista Drive and Southern Avenue and involved up to 40 juveniles and young adults fighting.

A Snapchat video captured the incident, which helped investigators to identify the subjects who were violently striking the victim.

The victim allegedly told investigators the attack felt "pre-planned" and that he was in "no position" to defend himself against the group of assailants, court records show.

Police said Fantastic is facing a charge of aggravated assault. 

RELATED: Teen Violence Town Hall | Join the conversation with 12News and panelists

RELATED: Watch: Gilbert police chief says there is 'no cover up' while addressing residents' concerns on teen violence investigations

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