WATCH: Rioters Return to Tortosa, Rain Down Racial Slurs Following Eviction

Residents of Tortosa are grappling with the consequences of a significant riot that occurred in August. The disturbance resulted in the arrest of a teenager and the involvement of over 30 individuals.

Brian Groener, a local resident, had envisioned a peaceful retirement upon moving to West Padilla Street. Unfortunately, complications arising from a rental issue transformed his dream into a nightmare, leaving him concerned for his safety.

“The home was supposed to be rented to a woman with two small children, but 12 or 13 people moved in instead, causing trouble from day one,” Groener recounted, sharing his shock at witnessing an entire crowd exit the home the day after the tenants moved in.

A week later, on August 27, tensions escalated into violence with three separate fights. The third altercation culminated in the riot, which led to the incarceration of 19-year-old Dwayne Ellis Jr. and legal charges against three minors.

Groener’s personal video footage contributed to the investigations that followed the riot, intensifying the animosity toward his family. He described the hostility they faced from the new tenants, including direct insults toward his wife.

In response to the ongoing harassment, Groener filed a formal complaint with the Tortosa Homeowners Association, which eventually contributed to the eviction of the disruptive tenants. However, the neighborhood’s atmosphere remains shattered, as Groener noted the absence of children playing outside since the incident.

“I haven’t seen them out in front since that day,” he lamented, expressing his wife’s desire to relocate due to fear stemming from their experiences.

This unease was further exacerbated by another instance of harassment captured on video. Groener described how, while washing his motorcycle, he faced abuse from people in a silver SUV who yelled derogatory remarks.

Monica Williams, a spokesperson for the Maricopa Police Department, confirmed awareness of the recent incident, noting that officers had documented the event and attempted to identify the responsible parties.

In light of the ongoing issues, Groener is contemplating the establishment of a neighborhood watch, advocating for vigilance within the community: “If you see something, say something,” he emphasized.