Phoenix police detectives, working with information from local and federal investigators, enacted proactive operations to and arrested multiple suspects on Friday night in connection to “dinner-time burglaries” conducted by South American Theft Groups.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, on Friday, at around 7:30 p.m., multiple suspects were seen by surveillance officers in a neighborhood by Camelback Mountain off of 44th Street and Camelback Road. The suspects entered the property of a residential home in what appeared to be an attempt to break-in. For unknown reasons, the suspects left the property and got into a minivan waiting nearby. Officers moved in and blocked the minivan from leaving.
The driver rammed unmarked police vehicles in attempt to drive off, but was unsuccessful. Four suspects inside the minivan got out and ran into the neighborhood. Officers set a perimeter around the area, and later found and arrested three suspects.
Officers were able to recover various burglary tools the suspects discarded as they were attempting to escape the area. The fourth suspect was not located.
The driver was identified as 20-year-old Sue Ellen Guiterrez Saez who was booked for various burglary charges and aggravated assault on a police officer. The other two suspects were identified as 21-year-old Johan Salvo Alacon and 25-year-old Manuel Eduardo Fuentes Gomez. Both men were booked for various burglary related charges to include a felony warrant for Salvo Alacon. All three suspects were in possession of fraudulent identification and were in the United States on overstayed visas.
Detectives believe there are still several South American Theft Groups (SATGs) members outstanding.
According to the FBI South American Theft Groups “involve individuals from Chile and other South American countries exploiting tourist visas to travel in and out of the United States to facilitate theft and transport of stolen goods internationally.” Intelligence Subcommittee.
All Valley agencies are encouraging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. Investigative efforts will continue as detectives work to bring more individuals to justice.