Phoenix Police Act on Kidnapping Tip
Swarms of Phoenix police converged on a west valley residence a little after noon on Monday, June 15, 2009, acting on a tip that a young girl was being held and her life was in danger. As the army of officers made their move, stunned neighbors peered from behind curtained windows or quickly dashed inside their homes at officers’ commands. Would the tip lead them to the victim?
Phoenix Police Robbery/HIKE (Home Invasion and Kidnapping Enforcement) detectives from the Violent Crimes Bureau were informed about the possibility of a female juvenile being held captive in a Maryvale residence. The female was between 14-16 years old, bound and tied to a chair; it appeared that she had been beaten. As detectives dug deeper, they learned she could be in a known drug house and the occupants were armed with rifles and were known to wear body armor.
With assistance from both Maryvale and South Mountain Precinct Neighborhood Enforcement Teams, surveillance was established on the residence and the Phoenix Police Special Assignments Unit was called to assist. A tactical plan was quickly drafted for the execution of a search warrant, and upon entry into the home, two suspects were located and arrested. A large quantity of drugs was recovered; however, a kidnapping victim was not located.
 |
 |
As the investigation continues, detectives will look into the possibility that the victim may have been an adult, not a child, and may have some sort of criminal background.
Robbery Sergeant Phil Roberts, a 24-year Phoenix Police veteran and a supervisor of HIKE commended the team of officers during Monday’s investigation,
“I am still in awe of the dedication to duty and professionalism shown by the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department on a daily basis. This case, as well as many others that the HIKE Task Force investigates, often is associated with illegal border activity. It would be easy for people to just turn their backs and walk away saying ‘what do I care…they’re just illegal aliens.’ However, the men and women of the department don’t look at it as an undocumented alien in trouble, but a human life in need of help.”