PEORIA – On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Phoenix Police Department officers arrested Eric Maes, the father accused of kidnapping his non-custodial son and causing the death of his son’s mother on Tuesday evening.
Phoenix police were called to the area of 23rd Avenue and Cactus Road on Wednesday at approximately 2:45 p.m., after receiving a 911 call regarding a possible sighting of Maes.
Officers attempted to make contact with Maes, but ran from them when he was approached. After a foot pursuit, he was taken into custody in the area of 2300 W. Thunderbird Rd.
Maes was transported to the Maricopa County Jail and booked and one count of manslaughter.
According to the Peoria Police Department, on February 9, 2021, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of domestic violence incident in the area of 9200 W. Lone Cactus Drive. Multiple callers to 911 reported that a female was holding onto a vehicle as it was driving down the road. When officers arrived, they located a female who had life-threatening injuries from being thrown off of the vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The woman was later identified as 30-year-old Brittany Martie of Phoenix.
Officers learned that Maes arrived at the location as Martie was loading their son, Abel, into her vehicle.
Maes fled the area after stealing the vehicle with their child inside.
Then on Wednesday at approximately 1:00 a.m., Peoria Police responded to the area of 13000 N. 21st Dr. for a report of an abandoned child. The Phoenix Fire Department responded and noted the child was found in good health. The child was confirmed to be Abel.
Charges against Maes may be added or amended, as this is an ongoing investigation.