Casa Grande Police Department

10/22/2026

** UPDATE ** The roadway is now open. Thank you,

* TRAFFIC ADVISORY *

CGPD Traffic Unit is investigating a serious injury collision at the intersection of Maricopa - Casa Grande Highway at North Burris Road. Maricopa - Casa Grande Highway will be closed in both directions until the investigation is complete. Please avoid the area and find alternate routes.

10/20/2026

🏈🐾 IT’S RIVALRY WEEK IN CASA GRANDE! 🐾🏈

Casa Grande Union High School & Vista Grande High School are getting ready to battle it out on the football field - and apparently our Casa Grande Police K9 Unit decided they needed to get a few reps in too! 😂🐕‍🦺

Our K9 teams are cheering on both schools and wishing the Cougars and Spartans a great game! Play hard, play safe, and represent Casa Grande well! 🏈

But the competition doesn’t end there…

This weekend, our own CGPD K9 teams will head to Scottsdale to compete in the 23rd Annual Desert Dog Police K9 Trials! 🐕‍🦺👮‍♂️

So whether it’s under the Friday night lights or on the K9 competition field, there’s plenty to cheer for this week!

Good luck to Casa Grande Union, Vista Grande, and our CGPD K9 Unit!

Now… judging by this video, we may need to work on the passing game. 😂🏈🐾

10/19/2026

REACHING THEIR FULL POTENTIAL!

Last week, five members of the Casa Grande Police Department represented our agency at the 2026 Arizona Women's Initiative Network (AZWIN) Conference at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa.

Officers Theresa Ellsworth, Julissa Mejia, Chelsi Ruiz, Alanna Hagensieker, and Calvina Singleton joined women from public safety agencies across Arizona for several days of training, professional development, networking, and presentations focused on leadership and the unique experiences of women in policing.

We are especially proud that our officers didn't just attend — they were actively involved throughout the conference.

Officer Calvina Singleton, an AZWIN Board Member, played an important role in the planning, setup, and operation of this year's conference.

Officer Chelsi Ruiz was nominated for the Woman to Watch Essential Impact – Service Excellence Award, recognizing her commitment and contributions to the profession.

Officer Theresa Ellsworth helped conference attendees start their mornings on the right foot by leading SHINE Dance Fitness classes throughout the week.

And when it came time for a little friendly competition at the range, CGPD was well represented! Officer Alanna Hagensieker took 1st Place, while Officer Theresa Ellsworth finished 2nd in the conference shooting competition. Great job, ladies!

Continued education, training, mentorship, and professional development are important at every stage of a law enforcement career. Opportunities like AZWIN allow our officers to learn from experienced leaders, exchange ideas with professionals from agencies across Arizona, build relationships, and bring new knowledge and perspectives back to our department and community.

We are proud of Theresa, Julissa, Chelsi, Alanna, and Calvina for taking advantage of this opportunity and, more importantly, for the way they represented the City of Casa Grande and the Casa Grande Police Department throughout the week.

Congratulations, ladies — you represented us well!

And, thank you to Ziemba Photographic Arts for sharing great pictures! Give her a follow to see her amazing work with First Responders!



*photo of Officer Mejia competing at the fi****ms range.

10/03/2026

Join us in congratulating two of our Officers for their recent achievements! Officer Chad Deitering and Officer James Gomez both represent CGPD on the Pinal Regional S.W.A.T. Team, and we are proud to recognize them!

Casa Grande Police Officer Chad Deitering earned first place at the SniperFest competition, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. SniperFest is a training and competition event held in Arizona that brings together law enforcement and military snipers to develop their skills and compete alongside other precision marksmen. The event combines specialized instruction with competitive exercises that challenge participants’ marksmanship, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure. This accomplishment reflects his commitment to training and represents the Casa Grande Police Department with distinction.

Officer James Gomez received the Pinal Regional S.W.A.T. Team’s Rookie of the Year award in recognition of his commitment to the team and willingness to learn its tactics and procedures. He was recognized for asking thoughtful questions to strengthen his understanding and offering suggestions when complicated issues arose during active callouts. His dedication, initiative, and desire to continually improve have made him a valuable member of the team.

10/01/2026

Join us in congratulating Lieutenant Jeff Cardita on his retirement!

We want to thank Lt. Cardita for his service to the Casa Grande community over the past 20 years. We'll miss you, but we wish you much success in your future endeavors!

09/29/2026

An evening of family fun with a purpose! 💙

Join Casa Grande Silent Witness for Anti-Crime Night and help support a program that helps law enforcement solve crimes in our community.

📅 Tuesday, October 13
🕔 5–8 p.m.
📍 Paul Mason Sports Complex

Enjoy vendors, family activities, raffle prizes, law enforcement displays and more. Bring the family, meet the people who serve our community, and show your support!

09/29/2026

Fall in love with your new best friend! Our animal shelter is full, and dogs are waiting for a place to call home. 🐾

During our fall adoption event, dog adoptions are $20. Visit the City of Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center, meet the dogs, and see if one is the right fit for your family.

Can’t adopt right now? Share this post to help a shelter dog find their forever home!

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center
202 E. First Ave., Casa Grande

View adoptable pets at CasaGrandeAZ.gov/Adoptions.

Fall in love with your new best friend! Our animal shelter is full, and dogs are waiting for a place to call home. 🐾

During our fall adoption event, dog adoptions are $20. Visit the City of Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center, meet the dogs, and see if one is the right fit for your family.

Can’t adopt right now? Share this post to help a shelter dog find their forever home!

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Casa Grande Animal Care & Adoption Center
202 E. First Ave., Casa Grande

View adoptable pets at CasaGrandeAZ.gov/Adoptions.

09/24/2026

* OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE *

Laron Kelley Arrested in Casa Grande Homicide Investigation

The Casa Grande Police Department has arrested 20-year-old Laron Kelley in connection with the September 20, 2026, shooting in the 1200 block of East Delano Drive, which resulted in the death of 18-year-old Joseph Castro.

Kelley turned himself in at the Casa Grande Public Safety Facility on the afternoon of September 23, 2026. He will be booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Facility. Criminal charges being forwarded to the Pinal County Attorney's Office for review include:

• First-Degree Murder
• Disorderly Conduct with a Fi***rm
• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Armed Robbery
• Unlawful Discharge of a Fi***rm

With Kelley's arrest, all four suspects believed to be involved in this homicide are now in custody. Although no additional suspects are being sought at this time, this remains an active homicide investigation.

Anyone with credible information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Brandon Garcia at (520) 840-3175 or by email at [email protected].

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact Silent Witness at (520) 836-2100.

09/23/2026

* UPDATE * Laron Kelley is in custody.

* OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE *

Three Juveniles Arrested in Casa Grande Homicide Investigation; Additional Suspect Sought

The Casa Grande Police Department has arrested two additional suspects, a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, in connection with the September 20, 2026, shooting in the 1200 block of East Delano Drive, which resulted in the death of 18-year-old Joseph Castro. These arrests follow the arrest of a 16-year-old male on September 20, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to three.

The two additional suspects turned themselves in individually at the Casa Grande Public Safety Facility on September 22, 2026, and were then booked into the Pinal County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Criminal charges being forwarded to the Pinal County Attorney's Office for review include:

• First-Degree Murder
• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Minor in Possession of a Fi***rm
• Unlawful Discharge of a Fi***rm
• Disorderly Conduct with a Fi***rm

Detectives have also identified a fourth suspect involved in this homicide. He is identified as 20-year-old LARON KELLEY, who is currently being sought by Police and should be considered armed and dangerous. His photograph is attached.

This remains an active homicide investigation, as Detectives continue to follow leads regarding additional subjects who may have been involved in the shooting.

The Casa Grande Police Department continues to ask for the public's assistance in locating Laron Kelley and identifying any additional suspects involved in this homicide. Anyone with credible information regarding Kelley's whereabouts or this investigation is asked to contact Detective Brandon Garcia at (520) 840-3175 or by email at [email protected].

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact Silent Witness at (520) 836-2100.

09/22/2026

⌛Time is almost up! Register now! 📋

Join our next Citizen Police Academy!

This popular 5-week class will provide you with an overview of each unit in our agency and a behind-the-scenes look at our daily operations. Reserve your seat now for the October 6th through November 12th class!

Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Casa Grande Public Safety Facility, located at 373 East Val Vista Boulevard.

To register, contact Wendy Lloyd at [email protected] or call her at (520) 518-5518.