Cluster of recent Mesa public-safety incidents raises local concern
Key Questions
What happened during the Mesa police bike stop involving Eric Baker?
Eric Baker, 52, was stopped near Dobson Road and University Drive for riding a bike without a light. He fled, resisted arrest on an outstanding warrant, assaulted officers, and was subjected to multiple Taser strikes before becoming unresponsive and dying in custody. Police released a timeline and video of the incident.
How did the community react to Eric Baker's death in custody?
The community demanded answers following the in-custody death of 52-year-old Eric Baker after a struggle with Mesa police. An investigation is underway, and police detailed the events including the arrest process and timeline.
What details are available about the voyeurism case in Mesa?
Mesa police arrested Erik Contos, 42, for allegedly secretly filming underage neighbors through windows and taking photos in bathrooms. Redacted images were released to identify potential victims, and police are seeking public help for more victims.
Who is K9 Jarno with Mesa PD?
K9 Jarno is a 3-year-old police dog recognized by the Mesa Police Department for his dedication in the K9 Unit. A short video highlights his contributions to public safety efforts.
What other recent public safety incidents have occurred in Mesa?
Incidents include fatalities on US60 at Higley (pedestrian and semi crash), multiple shootings (love triangle, ex-roommate, Shaquentin Orr apartment murder on Mar 17), Stapley/Brown crashes, hit-and-runs, stabbings, and missing persons cases like 16-year-olds Jones and Zielinski.
What arrests have been made recently in Mesa besides the voyeurism case?
Arrests include one involving Williams for a drone and gun, alongside the voyeurism arrest of Contos. Police also released a Brake & Evade video and conducted drills at Great Hearts.
How is the Mesa Police Department addressing the cluster of incidents?
Amid the cluster of public safety incidents, Mesa PD released videos like Brake & Evade and K9 Jarno highlights, conducted Great Hearts drills, and promoted Crime Stoppers for tips.
What video evidence exists from the Eric Baker incident?
New video shows the arrest of Eric Baker during the bike stop, capturing the struggle that led to multiple Taser deployments and his death in custody. Police detailed the timeline in conjunction with the release.
Escalating with Eric Baker 52 custody death Apr4 Dobson/University bike stop (no light/flees/resists assaults officers on warrant/tasers/unresponsive; timeline/video released), US60 Higley fatalities (pedestrian; semi crash), shootings (love triangle fatal, ex-roommate, Shaquentin Orr Mar17 apt murder), Stapley/Brown crashes, arrests (Williams drone/gun, Contos voyeurism peeping—redacted pics), missings (Jones 16, Zielinski 16, Miller 85202 etc.), hit-runs/stabbings. PD Brake & Evade video, K9 Jarno, Great Hearts drills, Crime Stoppers amid cluster.