Maricopa Police Nab 4 Suspects Linked to Gun Scares

Maricopa Police Department made four arrests over the weekend following two separate incidents involving firearms, coinciding with a heightened concern about gun violence in the community.

Fortunately, no shots were fired during these events, but they follow a disturbing string of ten recent shootings that have unsettled Maricopa. In response, Police Chief Mark Goodman has urged for peaceful resolutions, warning that individuals who resort to firearms for personal disputes will be held accountable.

The first incident took place on May 23 in the Homestead neighborhood. Police responded to reports of a domestic dispute involving a firearm just after 11 p.m. Officers arrived at the James Lane home where the 911 call originated, anticipating a potential confrontation.

The caller reported that his 18-year-old brother, Joshua Martial, had a gun and anger issues. The situation escalated when the father, 42-year-old Max-Roberto Thelemaque, gained access to the firearm. Upon arrival, officers found the family uncooperative and took each member outside one by one for questioning.

Josh Martial was detained at the front door and claimed no knowledge of the situation. However, it was later revealed that his younger brother had discovered a loaded gun in a backpack two days earlier and, fearing potential violence, handed it to their father, who locked it away.

Martial was charged with endangerment for leaving the weapon accessible to his younger sibling. Tensions within the family were further explored when the mother reported that Thelemaque had accused her of infidelity, culminating in a physical altercation. Thelemaque was arrested on charges of assault and disorderly conduct and now faces ten months in jail, while Martial could receive six months.

In a separate incident less than 24 hours later, police responded to a call from 34-year-old Brittany Charleston, reporting a man with a firearm threatening her father. However, the claims proved to be unfounded. Officers found Charleston’s ex-boyfriend denying any presence of a weapon, explaining he was merely trying to enter the home through the garage.

Charleston and another woman, Monique Rodgers, were accused of obstructing his entry. Though Rodgers initially claimed to have video evidence of a threat, the footage showed only feet, failing to substantiate their claims.

Both women were arrested and booked into the Pinal County jail on disorderly conduct charges, with Rodgers also facing an additional charge for false reporting. Charleston faces a potential six-month jail sentence, while Rodgers may face a year. These arrests highlight ongoing concerns regarding personal conflicts escalating into potential violence.