2024 in Focus: 10 Maricopa Moments That Took the Internet by Storm

Social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become the go-to sources for capturing and sharing remarkable incidents. Each day, videos of unusual events, from car crashes to more bizarre occurrences, capture widespread attention.

Among the most notable cases of the year, bodycam footage of a shooting incident in Senita has rapidly gained traction. The video has nearly 800,000 views as of December 27, making it the top viral content for InMaricopa in 2024. In the footage, police speak with Shawan Harris, who claimed to have fired back in self-defense when attacked by assailants in a moving pickup truck. Notably, he also admitted to being a convicted felon and had a contentious history, which included a recent tasing incident involving domestic violence.

Another viral sensation involved competitive eater Joel Hansen, whose escapades at The Roost Sports Bar & Cafe led to an unexpected outcome. Hansen’s visit in January resulted in such a consumption of fish that the restaurant nearly ran out of stock. His April YouTube video showcasing the event has now surpassed one million views, highlighting the crossover between local establishments and popular online personalities.

In a more alarming narrative, a standoff involving Brendan Cheromiah shocked viewers. After reports of domestic violence, police were forced to break down doors to apprehend Cheromiah, who was found to be holding a nine-month-old child. The incident led to multiple indictments, and a plea deal was later reached in January.

In a bizarre turn of events, a failed home invasion by Sage E. Owens ended with her stealing a garden gnome. Security footage showed her attempting to break into a Rancho El Dorado home before she was apprehended while munching on an orange nearby. Owens was eventually charged with burglary and trespassing.

Later, a crash captured on State Route 347 drew attention on the Instagram account @ArizonaCantDrive. The video featured a black pickup truck merging recklessly, resulting in a collision. Comments poured in, some skewering the driving habits typical of the area, while others debated fault in the incident.

The aftermath of a Christmas arrest at Sprouts Farmers Market remains memorable. Joseph Chee was apprehended after allegedly shoplifting a chicken and urinating in the vitamin aisle. Bodycam footage highlighted the shocking circumstances that arose during his arrest, including unambiguous evidence of prior misdeeds.

Following a crash involving a dump truck in September, social media exploded with commentary regarding the consequences of poor driving decisions. The footage showed a dark sedan merging incorrectly at a stoplight, resulting in a difficult-to-watch collision. James Helm, a local attorney, quickly analyzed the situation, affirming the sedan driver’s fault.

A tragic motorcycle crash led to the death of Demtrius Catus while evading Maricopa police. The incident, captured on dashcam, showed the rider losing control and suffering fatal injuries. Investigators continue to gather details surrounding the case.

In entertaining developments, a local “frauditor” gained notoriety after provoking police during a July 4 event, culminating in his arrest. The incident was later highlighted by the YouTube channel Frauditor Troll, which scrutinized Rodriguez’s behavior during his encounter with law enforcement.

Finally, a viral altercation over chicken nuggets at a Burger King ended in arrests for Tavarus and Sheree Ross. Following a dispute over a drive-thru order, the couple took the chaos inside, leading to property damage. Both faced legal repercussions, with Sheree receiving a suspended sentence for her actions.