Overview
- Police say 53-year-old Audrey Gabriel threatened Motel 6 guests with what appeared to be a knife and officers first responded in the early hours of Tuesday before leaving when an initial witness declined further cooperation.
- Hours later police returned after new reports of threats and a standoff unfolded that drew SWAT, crisis negotiators and more than 35 emergency personnel to the Hampton Avenue motel.
- Officers removed the room door, deployed explosive tools and pepper devices, and used less-lethal force to take Gabriel into custody once she exited the room.
- While being checked by Mesa Fire and Medical staff, Gabriel kicked a firefighter and was then taken to a hospital and booked on multiple charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault on a first responder.
- No one suffered serious injuries and police records show the suspect is unhoused and has prior behavior tied to mental health issues when not medicated, which could factor into charging and court proceedings.