Use of Force Summary First Quarter

Chandler Police Department - PSS Memo No. 23-003

Date: May 5, 2023
To: Sean Duggan, Chief of Police
Thru: Melissa Deanda, Assistant Chief

Robert Dykstra, PSS Lieutenant
Nicole Vasey, PSS Sergeant

Aff)
From: George F. Arias, PSS Detective <A
Subject: Use of Force Review, 1*t Quarter Use of Force 2023
Procedure

e Please sign below acknowledging your review of the report.

¢ Forward through the chain of command and return to the Professional Standards
Section.

Signature Date

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Professional Standards Section shall
maintain inspection files and reports.

Background

The Chandler Police Department recognizes the current Arizona statutory law dictating that
“no unnecessary or unreasonable force shall be used in making an arrest, and the person
arrested shall not be subjected to any greater restraint than necessary for his detention.”
The Chandler Police Department stipulates officers must adhere to their training unless the
situation justifies a deviation from that training.

The Chandler Police Department began to utilize the Use of Force Review Board in 2008 to
ensure the proper documentation of all applications of force, evaluate those applications
for adherence to established policy, and determine any additional training needs.? The
board meets monthly to evaluate the prior month's incidents, and quarterly reviews are
prepared to share information and findings with the Citizen Review Panel.

This analysis contains use of force statistics for the first quarter of 2023 to identify
prevalent trends or deficiencies per the current CALEA standard,’ In addition to an internal
comparative analysis, this report will illustrate training issues that emerged throughout the
quarter, as well as the number and general nature of injuries sustained by personnel and
suspects.

2023 First Quarter Review

The Chandler Police Department logged 2005 arrests during the first quarter of 2023,
yielding a total of twenty (20) incidents resulting in a use of force by Chandler Police Officers
to effect an arrest or detain a subject under reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

All reportable incidents were reviewed by the Use of Force Review Board. This board meets
monthly to determine if the applications of force are justified in accordance with the policies
of the Chandler Police Department.

The following tables document the twenty (20) incidents reviewed by the board for the
months of January, February, and March of 2023. It includes the types of force used and
dispositions. in some incidents there were multiple applications of force used by various
officers, For this reason, there were forty-four (44) distinct applications of force. This report
will deliver the summaries of the twenty (20) reviewed incidents.

1 ARS § 13-3881.B

2 CPD G.O. E-01.200.B.3
3 CPD G.O, E-01.400.E.1
4 CALEA 1.3.13

Type of Force Used First Quarter 2023

Low Level Force "1 Take downs, pressure points, Hard
hands, bolo wrap, etc.
, KQ bite, fist strikes, knee strikes, kicks,
Intermediate Force 33 less lethal, CEW, impact push, etc.
44

Total Force Used First Quarter 2023

2005 20 1.0%

Use of Force Demographics by Race/Gender/Age

White Male 24-52 36 15%
Black Male 25-36 31 15%
10 Hispanic Male 31-45 36 50%
4 Native American Male 28-38 32 20%

(20 total subjects in use of force incidents)
Policy Violations/Reviews
In the first quarter of 2023 there were no use of force incidents referred to Internal Affairs.
Training Issues

In the first quarter of 2023 there was one training issue identified by the Use of Force
Board. This consisted of an officer believing he had activated his body worn camera when
he had not.

Injuries

In the first quarter of 2023, nine (9) officers were injured during use of force incidents. The
injuries sustained by officers were mostly minor in nature, generally consisting of sprains,

abrasions, cuts, or bruising. Most of the officers’ injuries appeared to stem from body-to-

body contact, takedown techniques, and struggling to handcuff suspects on hard surfaces
or from direct assaults on the officers themselves.

Sixteen (16) suspects were injured or complained of injury during the use of force
incidents. Most of these injuries were minor in nature, consisting of lacerations, abrasions,
contusions, complaints of pain, and CEW puncture wounds.

The officer, the suspect, or both received medical attention in the use of force incidents
with injury when requested. Medical treatment was either provided on scene or at a
hospital for more extensive care or evaluation.

Total Injuries When Force Used First Quarter 2023

Emotionally Disturbed/Impaired

Sixteen (16) subjects involved in use of force incidents were found to be emotionally
disturbed, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a combination of impairments.

Conclusion

The reported types of use of force incidents during the first quarter of 2023 indicate
officers used the appropriate level of force to effect the arrest of suspects. This illustrates
that the use of force policy, defensive tactics training, board reviews, and overall
departmental philosophy are aligned with established case law, statutory regulations, and
the principles of community-oriented policing.

The following pages are the summaries that were presented to the Use of Force Board for
the first quarter of 2023.

Incident Review Summaries
Summary 14

Date of Occurrence: 01/01/2023

Time of Occurrence: 1532

Incident Report: 23-000238

Personnel Involved: Officer Anand Kararia #850

Force Used: Bola Wrap
Subject Actions: Threatened police, was in mental crisis
Summary:

On January 1%,2023, at 1532 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to the Chandler
Heights Police Substation located at 4040 E. Chandler Heights Road in Chandler reference a
person having a mental health crisis. According to the caller his son suffered from Bipolar
Disorder, Depression, anxiety, and was wanting to turn into a “monster”. The caller
requested assistance to transport his adult son, Jordan Drew, to a mental health facllity.

When officers contacted Mr. Drew, the decision was made to take him into custody and
transport him to a mental heaith facility. As they spoke to Mr. Drew, he appeared to
prepare to fight. Officer Kararia deployed his Bola Wrap less lethal system, which initially
wrapped its cables around his torso. Mr. Drew was able to break free from the restraints as
officers approached him. Mr. Drew resisted and punched an officer in the face before
eventually being taken to the ground and handcuffed.

Mr. Drew sustained a laceration to his hand. Paramedics arrived and had to sedate him for
treatment and transportation to a local hospital. Officer Rojas sustained a laceration to his
finger. Photos were taken of the incident and a body worn camera captured the use of
force.

Charges on suspect:

Mental health evaluation (no charges)
Injuries:

Mr. Drew sustained a laceration to his hand.

Officer Rojas sustained a laceration to his finger.

Summary 2

Date of Occurrence: 01/04/2023

Time of Occurrence: 1104

incident Report: 22-500427

Personnel Involved: Detective R) Rodgers #552

Force Used: Sage X2
Subject Actions: Rammed police vehicles after his vehicle was blocked in for arrest
Summary:

On January 4", 2023, at 1100 hours, Chandler Police Detectives and members of other
agencies were conducting a surveillance operation to take Theodore Easterling into custody
for drug trafficking. Mr. Easterling has an extensive criminal background involving violent
felony convictions, had an active warrant, and was wanted for an active domestic violence
investigation by Chandler Police. Mr. Easterling was observed arriving at a parking lot near
McClintock Road and Ray Road in Chandler.

Once Mr. Easterling parked his car, several detectives activated their emergency lights on
their undercover vehicles and drove towards him. They pinned their police cars against his
to prevent him from escaping. Mr. Easterling unsuccessfully made several attempts to push
the police vehicles out of the way with his car to escape. He was given commands to stop
and surrender, but Mr. Easterling did not comply. Detective Rodgers deployed his Sage
Gun, firing one round through the open passenger window and striking Mr. Easterling in
the thigh and crotch area. Mr. Easterling began to comply, put his car in park, and
eventually exited his vehicle. Once out of the vehicle, he was given commands to get on his
knees. Although he initially complied, he got back up and refused commands to stay down.
it appeared he was attempting to find an escape route. Detective Rodgers deployed
another sage round striking Mr. Easterling in the thigh while a member from another
agency deployed his CEW. Mr. Easterling became compliant again and was taken into
custody.

Mr. Easterling sustained contusions to his thigh and inner thigh/crotch area. He also
sustained puncture wounds from the CEW deployed by outside agency personnel. He was
treated by paramedics prior to being transported to the Maricopa County Intake Transfer
and Release. Photos were taken of the incident and a body worn camera captured the use
of force.

Charges on suspect:

Aggravated assault on an officer (4 counts)
Transportation of dangerous drugs
Conspiracy

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Use of an electronic device in a drug related offense
Injuries:

Mr. Easterling sustained contusions to his thigh and inner thigh/crotch area.

Summary 3

Date of Occurrence: 01/05/2023

Time of Occurrence: 1933

Incident Report: 23-001972

Personnel Involved: Officer Tyler Ambrosia #810

Force Used: CEW X2

Subject Actions: Shoplifting, refused commands, approached officer with fists raised
Summary:

On January 5", 2023, at 1933 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to the area of
Arizona Avenue and Queen Creek Road in Chandler reference an aggressive male walking
in and out of traffic and throwing items into the roadway. The same male had committed a
shoplift at a focal store in the area.

Officer Ambrosia located the male, later identified as James Notah, who had just fled from
another officer. Officer Ambrosia activated his patrol car’s emergency lights and positioned
his vehicle near Mr. Notah. Mr. Notah turned towards the officer and raised his fists.
Officer Ambrosia exited his vehicle and drew his CEW as he ordered the male to stop. Mr.
Notah refused to stop walking towards him as the officer gave warnings about using his
CEW. Officer Ambrosia deployed his CEW as Mr. Notah turned his body. Believing the CEW
did not take effect, the officer deployed a second CEW. Mr. Notah fell to the ground and
with the help of arriving officers was taken into custody.

Mr. Notah sustained a laceration to his wrist from a medical band he was wearing. He also
sustained puncture wounds from the CEW probes. Paramedics arrived and treated him
prior to being transported and booked into the Maricopa County Intake, Transfer, and
Release facility in Phoenix. Officer Land sustained a sore wrist. Photos were taken of the
incident and a body worn camera captured the use of force.

Charges on suspect:
Aggravated assauit on an officer
Obstructing a public highway
Shoplifting

Injuries:

Mr. Notah sustained a laceration to his wrist from a medical band he was wearing. He also
sustained puncture wounds from the CEW probes.

Officer Land sustained a sore wrist.

Summary 4

Date of Occurrence: 01/09/2023

Time of Occurrence: 0955

Incident Report: 23-003397

Personnel Involved: Detention Officer Joel Lahaie

Force Used: CEW X4
Subject Actions: Assaulted detention officer and police officer while in holding facility
Summary:

On January 9", 2023, at 0955 hours, Chandler Detention Officer LaHaie was on duty at the
Gilbert Chandler Unified Holding Facility in Gilbert. He was in the process of transferring a
defendant, Roman Wilson, from the phone room to a cell.

Mr. Roman, who was not in handcuffs or restraints, began to resist as he was being
escorted from the phone room by pulling away, pushing at officers, and attempting to
break free. As additional detention officers and police officers assisted, Mr. Roman was
taken to the ground. Once on the ground Mr. Roman kicked an officer in the face and
continued to kick, twist his body, and prevented officers from detaining him. Detention
Officer Lahaie deployed his CEW twice with probe deployments with negative effect. He
then conducted a drive stun with his CEW to Mr. Roman's chest with no effect. Mr. Roman
continued to resist as he was turned over onto his stomach. Detention Officer Lahaie
delivered a drive stun with his CEW to Mr. Roman’s left thigh. After the drive stun CEW
deployment, Mr. Roman was placed in handcuffs and leg chains. The CEW probes were
removed, and he was placed in a cell.

Mr. Roman sustained puncture wounds from the CEW deployments. Medical aid was
provided. Photos were taken of the incident and a security camera captured the use of
force.

Charges on suspect:
Aggravated assault on an officer (Gilbert Police report)
Injuries:

Mr. Roman sustained puncture wounds from the CEW deployments.

Summary 5

Date of Occurrence: 01/15/2023

Time of Occurrence: 0515

Incident Report: 23-005825

Personnel Involved: Officer Martin Orozco #818

Force Used: Sage X1 (no contact)

Subject Actions: Failed to yield to officer during traffic stop attempt, refused
commands to exit car

Summary:

On January 15", 2023, at 0515 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to 2228 N. Illinois
Street in Chandler reference a domestic disturbance. The caller reported her ex-husband,
Lon McLendon, had broken into her home and assaulted her. Mr. McLendon had fled prior
to police arrival in his vehicle. Arriving officers located the vehicle as it fled from the area
and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Mr. McLendon initially failed to yield to the
officers, but eventually pulled over. He refused commands to get out of his vehicle as
additional officers arrived.

Officer Orozco arrived with his less lethal SAGE Gun as Mr. McLendon exited his vehicle and
stood near the open driver side door. He refused to obey several officers’ commands to get
on the ground as he gestured to get back in the vehicle. Officer Orozco gave him clear
commands that he would deploy his SAGE Gun if he got back into the car. As Mr. McLendon
started to get into the car, Officer Orozco deployed a single SAGE round, missing Mr.
McLendon. Shortly after the deployment Mr. McLendon got on the ground and
surrendered.

Mr. McLendon did not sustain any injuries. He was transported to the Gilbert Chandler
Unified Holding Facility and booked. Photos were taken of the incident and a body worn
camera captured the use of force.

Charges on suspect:
Disorderly conduct DV
Interfering with an investigation
Unlawful flight from police
Failing to obey and officer

injuries:

Mr. McLendon did not sustain any injuries.

Summary 6

Date of Occurrence: 01/16/2023

Time of Occurrence: 0700

Incident Report: 23-006227

Personnel Involved: Detention Supervisor Michael Fornicola

Force Used: Takedown
Subject Actions: Attempted to assault a detention officer
Summary:

On January 16", 2023, at 0700 hours, Chandler Detention Supervisor Fornicola was on duty
at the Gilbert Chandler Unified Holding Facility in Gilbert. He was made aware of a
defendant, Scott Michelson, who had been showing signs of aggression and was in an
agitated mental state. Mr. Michelson was awaiting transport to court for a disorderly
conduct charge and a pending mental heaith committal order.

As several detention officers prepared to escort Mr. Michelson to a transportation vehicle,
he began to show physical signs of passive aggressive behavior. He would abruptly start
and stop walking and would have verbal outbursts. As they approached the vehicle, he
visibly appeared to posture and stiffen his body and became verbally defiant. Several
officers attempted to de-escalate him but were not successful. Mr. Michelson then turned
and attempted to lunge at a detention officer that was nearby. Detention Supervisor
Fornicola took Mr. Michelson to the ground, and he was returned to a holding cell.

Mr. Michelson sustained a laceration to his head. Paramedics responded and sedated him
prior to transporting him to a local hospital for medical and a mental health evaluation.
Photos were taken of the incident and a security camera captured the use of force.

Charges on suspect:
Mental health evaluation
Injuries:

Mr. Michelson sustained a laceration to his head.

Summary 7

Date of Occurrence: 01/21/2023

Time of Occurrence: 0104

Incident Report: 23-008149

Personnel Involved: Sergeant Jeremy Nolan #8145, Sergeant Ruben Sanchez #8143

Force Used: CEW X2, ballistic shield used to pin body to ground

Subject Actions: Fled from officers during traffic stop, non-compliant with commands,
possibly armed with a firearm

Summary:

On January 21, 2023, at 0104 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to a call of aman
with a gun at 2022 N. Nevada Street in Chandler. The caller reported an ex-boyfriend of her
roommate, Marcellous Davis, was calling stating he was in the parking lot with a gun. As
officers arrived the caller stated Mr. Davis was now making suicidal statements.

Officers arrived and contacted Mr. Davis while he was in his car. The officers were at a
distance from the vehicle due to the allegation of a gun. After several minutes of
attempting to get him out of the vehicle, Mr. Davis fled in his vehicle. Although in crisis, he
was allowed to leave due to no crime being committed. He appeared a second time nearby
where officers attempted a second time to convince him to allow officers to provide help,
but he refused and fled a second time. As officers were with the caller, Mr. Davis appeared
a third time. This time he was directly in front of the caller's apartment. Believing he was
armed and now a threat to the caller and ex-girlfriend, officers on scene held Mr. Davis at
gunpoint until other officers arrived. Mr. Davis refused numerous commands to get out of
the car and fled in his car, pulling into a nearby parking spot. Mr. Davis got out of the
vehicle and was ordered to get on the ground but refused. Sergeant Nolan deployed his
CEW twice but there was no effect. Eventually Mr. Davis complied and got on the ground.
Sergeant Sanchez, using a ballistic shield as protection, pinned him to the ground while
other officers placed him in handcuffs and took him into custody.

Mr. Davis complained of leg pain. Paramedics responded and rendered aid. He was then
transported to the Maricopa County Intake, Transfer, and Release for booking. Body worn
cameras captured the use of force. Photos were taken of the incident.

Charges on suspect:

Disorderly conduct DV
Interfering with the duties of a public official

Injuries:

Mr. Davis complained of leg pain.

Summary 8

Date of Occurrence: 01/23/2023

Time of Occurrence: 1155

Incident Report: 23-009116

Personnel Involved: Sergeant David Uridge #8115

Force Used: Baton strikes X7
Subject Actions: Assaulted an officer
Summary:

On January 23%, 2023, at 1155 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to a threat call at
a restaurant located at 2992 N. Alma School Road in Chandler. The caller reported a male
was threatening and trying to fight employees and customers. The callers provided a
description and a last direction of travel.

Officer Pavlue and Sergeant Uridge located the male, identified as Gabriel Cantu, walking
nearby. When initial contact was made Mr, Cantu ran. Sergeant Uridge drove up and as he
gave commands for him to stop, Mr. Cantu yelled profanities and raised his middle finger
at the sergeant. Mr. Cantu turned towards the sergeant and walked towards him with his
fists clenched. Sergeant Uridge exited his vehicle and displayed his expandable baton. He
ordered Mr. Cantu to the ground. Mr, Cantu charged the sergeant and punched him in the
face while Sergeant Uridge struck Mr. Cantu with his baton on his leg. Mr. Cantu again
struck the sergeant in the face as he was struck with the baton. Mr. Cantu then grabbed the
baton and attempted to take it from the sergeant. They struggled with the baton as the
sergeant pushed Mr, Cantu to the ground. Officer Pavlue arrived and attempted to take
control of Mr. Cantu’s arm as he continued to fight the officers. Sergeant Uridge was able to
regain control of the baton and delivered approximately 5 more strikes as Mr. Cantu
attempted to punch and strike the sergeant. With the help of a citizen, Mr. Cantu was
handcuffed and taken into custody.

Mr. Cantu sustained contusions to his legs. Paramedics responded but he refused
treatment. He was transported to the Maricopa County Intake, Transfer, and Release for
booking. Sergeant Uridge sustained redness to his face. Sergeant Uridge’s body worn
camera only captured a portion of the use of force before it became dislodged and fell to
the ground. Officer Paviue’s body worn camera captured some of the use of force. Photos
were taken of the incident.

Charges on suspect:

Aggravated assault on an officer
Resisting arrest

Injuries:
Mr. Cantu sustained contusions to his legs.

Sergeant Uridge sustained redness to his face.

Summary 9

Date of Occurrence: 01/25/2023

Time of Occurrence: 0006

incident Report: 23-009750

Personnel Involved: Officer Jon Castlegrante #768

Force Used: Takedown
Subject Actions: Fled from officers during contact, non-compliant with commands
Summary:

On January 25", 2023, at 0006 hours, Chandler Police Officer Castlegrante was on patrol
around Jackson Street and Galveston Street. He was in full patrol uniform and in a fully
marked patrol car. He conducted a traffic stop on a male riding a bicycle for a traffic
violation. Upon contact the bicycle rider, Alvaro Chavez, was found to have several
warrants for his arrest.

Officer Castlegrante advised Mr. Chavez of his warrants and was about to take him into
custody when Mr. Chavez fled on foot. The officer caught up with Mr. Chavez and as he
approached him, Mr. Chavez turned to face the officer in a fighting stance. Officer
Castlegrante grabbed him by the torso and took him to the ground. While on the ground
Mr. Chavez actively resisted getting arrested by grabbing the officer’s arms and started to
get up. Officer Castlegrante took him to the ground a second time and pinned him to the
ground as Mr. Chavez tried to break free. Additional officers arrived and took Mr. Chavez
into custody.

Mr. Chavez had abrasions to his face, torso, and legs. Paramedics responded but he
refused medical aid. He was then transported to the Gilbert Chandler Unified Holding
Facility for booking. Officer Castlegrante sustained abrasions to his hands and knees. A
Body worn camera captured the use of force and photos were taken of the incident.

Charges on suspect:

Resisting arrest

Possession of dangerous drugs
Possession of narcotics
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Injuries:

Mr. Chavez had abrasions to his face, torso, and legs.

Officer Castlegrante sustained abrasions to his hands and knees.

Summary 10

Date of Occurrence: 02/03/2023

Time of Occurrence: 1227

Incident Report: 23-013881

Personnel Involved: Officer Jose Coronado #842

Force Used: CEW X2
Subject Actions: Fled from officers during contact, non-compliant with commands
Summary:

On February 3%, 2023, at 1227 hours, Chandler Police Officers were on patrol near a
storage facility located at 480 N. Arizona Avenue in Chandler when they observed Ruben
Gonzales standing outside of the business at this address. They were familiar with Mr.
Gonzales who had two active felony warrants. After confirming the warrants were valid,
Officers Haro-Trujillo and Coronado contacted him.

As the officers attempted to contact Mr. Gonzales, he started to walk away. Both officers
told Mr. Gonzales he had warrants for his arrest and he was not free to leave. As Officer
Coronado reached out to grab his hand, Mr. Gonzales slapped his hand away, raised his
own hands, and took an aggressive stance towards the officers. Both officers displayed
their CEW’s and ordered Mr. Gonzales to get on the ground. Mr. Gonzales fled on foot and
began reaching into his waistband as Officer Coronado unsuccessfully deployed CEW
probes. Mr. Gonzales ran towards a door at the storage facility and began to enter as
Officer Coronado deployed a second set of CEW probes, missing a second time. Mr.
Gonzales was able to go through the door and barricade himself inside. Several more
officers responded, and a perimeter was set up. Eventually Mr. Gonzales exited the
storage facility and surrendered without further incident.

Mr. Gonzales did not sustain any injuries. He was transported to the Gilbert Chandler
Unified Holding Facility for booking. A Body worn camera captured the use of force and
photos were taken of the incident.

Charges on suspect:

Warrants
Resisting arrest

Injuries:

Mr. Gonzales did not sustain any injuries.

Summary 14

Date of Occurrence: 02/04/2023

Time of Occurrence: 0241

Incident Report: 23-014198

Personnel Involved: Officer Dallin Bacon #835, Officer Julian Gomez #777, Officer Tyler
Ambrosia #810, Officer Cody Triggs #856

Force Used: Takedown
Subject Actions: Non-compliant with commands during arrest
Summary:

On February 4", 2023, at 0241 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to a vehicle
collision at the intersection of Arizona Avenue and Warner Road in Chandler. Upon their
arrival and initial investigation, the driver of one of the vehicles, Sheldon Jackson, was
found to be DUI.

As the officers attempted to place Mr. Jackson under arrest, he began to resist being
handcuffed by pulling his arms into his chest and refusing commands. Several officers
approached Mr. Jackson to place him under arrest but were not able to pull his arms away
to place handcuffs on him. Officers Bacon, Gomez, Ambrosia and Triggs took Mr. Jackson to
the ground. Once on the ground they were able to place him into handcuffs and arrest him.
Once arrested, Mr. Jackson was placed in a sitting / recovery position. At this point Mr.
Jackson spat blood from his mouth onto the ground but refused to state if he was injured.

Mr. Jackson spat blood from his mouth, but it was unclear how the injury occurred.
Paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital where he was admitted for
treatment. Body worn cameras captured the use of force and photos were taken of the
incident.

Charges on suspect:

Aggravated DUI (Long form)
Resisting arrest

Injuries:

Mr. Jackson spat blood from his mouth, but it was unclear how the injury occurred.

Summary 12

Date of Occurrence: 03/04/2023

Time of Occurrence: 2148

Incident Report: 23-026327

Personnel Involved: Officer Jay Clark #852, Officer Cody Triggs #856
Force Used: Takedown

Subject Actions: Non-compliant with commands

Summary:

On March 4%, 2023, at 2148 hours, Chandler Police Officers responded to 291 S. Oregon
Street in Chandler to serve a mental health petition order on Martin Soto. Upon their
arrival they contacted Mr. Soto, explained the order to him, and placed him in handcuffs.

As the officers escorted him to a patrol car and attempted to place him into the back seat,
Mr. Soto refused. The officers attempted to explain the mental health petition order
several times to no avail. Mr. Soto began to get increasingly upset about being taken to a
mental health facility and began to physically resist being placed in the patrol car. He pulled
away from the officers and would twist and turn his body, to break free from the officers’
hold. During the struggle Officer Clark’s body worn camera detached from its mount and
fell to the ground. Mr. Soto then kicked Officer Clark in the leg. Officer Clark and Officer
Triggs took Mr. Soto to the ground and kept him there until additional officers arrived to
assist. Once additional officers arrived, Mr. Soto was picked up off the ground and placed
into the patrol car.

Mr, Soto sustained abrasions to his knees. Paramedics responded and treated him. He
was transported to a local mental health facility. Body worn cameras captured the use of
force and photos were taken of the incident.

Charges on suspect:
No charges
injuries:

Mr. Soto sustained abrasions to his knees.

Summary 13

Date of Occurrence: 03/09/2023

Time of Occurrence: 1510

Incident Report: 23-028330

Personnel Involved: Officer Cody McKenna #695, Officer Chase Bebak-Miller #731,
Sergeant Zack Bansner #S141

Force Used: Fist strike, CEW X2, arm lock, takedown, pressure points
Subject Actions: Non-compliant with commands, active aggression towards officers
Summary:

On March 9", 2023, at 1508 hours, Chandler Police Bike Officers were on patrol around
Fairview Street and California Street when they observed a male riding a bike towards
them. Once the rider saw them, he changed direction and entered a fenced apartment
complex at 298 W. Fairview Street in Chandler. The apartment complex has several no
trespassing signs on their fencing. Believing the rider, later identified as Ruben Gonzales,
had just trespassed, they made efforts to locate him.

The officers were able to locate and contact Mr. Gonzales in the alley to the rear of the
complex. He was asked if he lived in the complex and replied he did not. Officer McKenna
told him he had trespassed the complex and there were numerous no trespass signs that
he violated when he entered. As the officers spoke with him, Mr. Gonzales appeared to be
under the influence of narcotics. As Officer McKenna conducted a search of Mr. Gonzales’
person following the trespass, he located drug paraphernalia and narcotics in Mr. Gonzales’
pockets. As Officer McKenna attempted to place him in handcuffs Mr. Gonzales spun
around and attempted to flee. Officer McKenna attempted to grab Mr. Gonzales who in
turn grabbed Officer McKenna by his outer vest carrier. Officer McKenna and Officer
Bebak-Miller took him to the ground. Once on the ground Mr. Gonzales continued to grab
and pull Officer McKenna’s vest near his throat, as Officer Bebak-Miller applied pressure to
Mr. Gonzales’ mandibular angle and Sergeant Bansner grabbed him by the right wrist and
elbow and applied pressure. Officer McKenna delivered a single fist strike to Mr. Gonzales’
face, but he continued to resist and attempted to kick the officer. Officer McKenna
withdrew his CEW and delivered a drive stun to his abdomen. Mr. Gonzales grabbed the
CEW and attempted to take it away from the officer. Officer McKenna was able to pry Mr.
Gonzales’ fingers from the CEW and applied a second drive stun, this time to his hip. Mr.
Gonzales continued to resist and turned over onto his stomach, preventing the officers
from handcuffing him. Eventually the officers were able to place handcuffs on Mr. Gonzales
and place him under arrest.

Mr. Gonzales sustained a contusion to his face and pain to his shoulder. Paramedics
responded and transported him to a local hospital for evaluation. He was then released
and transported to the Gilbert Chandler Unified Holding Facility where he was booked.

Officer McKenna sustained abrasions to his right hand, both elbows and both knees. Body
worn cameras captured the use of force and photos were taken of the incident.

Charges on suspect:

Criminai trespassing

Possession of narcotics
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Aggravated assault on an officer
Injuries:

Mr. Gonzales sustained a contusion to his face and pain to his shoulder.

Officer McKenna sustained abrasions to his right hand, both elbows and both knees.