GILBERT, Ariz. — The Town of Gilbert on Tuesday approved the formation of a subcommittee to investigate teen violence..
The approval follows growing concerns over several assaults involving teens that have been occurring for over a year. Many have been linked to a group known as the "Gilbert Goons." Videos show assailants singling out a victim and ganging up on them, often throwing punches and kicks. In some cases, they've used brass knuckles.
MORE DETAILS: Gilbert town councilmembers recommend teen violence subcommittee in light of assaults linked to 'Gilbert Goons'
The committee will be made up of town council members Jim Torgeson, Chuck Bongiovanni and Vice Mayor Scott Anderson.
RELATED: Gilbert PD exploring gang classification for 'Gilbert Goons,' investigating 8 teen violence cases
There were cheers from the sea of orange that filled the council chambers. Concerned parents and residents wearing the favorite color of Preston Lorde, 16, who was brutally beat to death last October in Queen Creek. His murder drew people's attention to similar situations involving violent teen attacks against each other.
Councilmember Torgeson told 12News the committee plans on speaking with the community about how to move forward in addressing teen violence in Gilbert. As of Tuesday night, there are no solid plans on what the committee's first step should be.
Gilbert police chief Michael Soelberg spoke during the meeting, and revealed that the department is now investigating a total of nine teen attacks. Chief Soelberg said four of them were from cases investigators re-opened. The remaining five are from attacks that recently came to their attention. Including one that happened in November of 2022.
“While it is frustrating this incident was not reported to the police prior it is an example of what we need from our community and we are thankful for the victim who had the courage to report this delayed assault," Soelberg said.
The chief also discussed the department working with neighboring agency's gang task forces to go after people claiming to be part of the "Gilbert Goons" — a group of teens that many believe are behind the violent attacks.
“We initially did not have any reports that mentioned Gilbert Goons, but recently victims have been using that term,” the chief said.
Teen violence will also be a topic of discussion during Chandler's City council meeting on Thursday.
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