08/21/2026
ARREST UPDATE:
On August 18, 2026, the Gilbert Police Department responded to a call that alleged a suspicious male was on an electric bicycle with a Disney princess tote bag on his handlebars and wearing a Barbie backpack, who was riding near several schools, through neighborhoods, and places where juveniles congregate after school hours within Gilbert.
Gilbert Police Department officers contacted the suspicious male, and with the assistance of Gilbert PD's Communications Division, identified him as 35-year-old Gibran Alvarez. At the time, Alvarez was found to have a 2024 California-only non-extraditable probation violation warrant for a 2023 felony conviction for Possession or Control of Child Po*******hy out of Orange County, California.
On August 20, 2026, members of Gilbert PD's Crisis Response Team (CRT) located Alvarez, who fled into his residence. Alvarez barricaded himself inside the residence, and CRT negotiated with him by phone. Through collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the warrant was modified to include nationwide extradition.
CRT applied for and was granted a search warrant from the Maricopa County Superior Court, while members of Gilbert PD's Criminal Investigations Division, Gilbert PD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Chandler Police Department officers, and members of the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department arrived on scene to execute both the search and arrest warrants. Alvarez was arrested and booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, where he’s currently being held non-bondable. Further investigation will be completed by Gilbert PD.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank our community members who reported this concerning behavior to Gilbert PD. Their vigilance made a direct difference in this outcome and reflects the strong partnership between our community and the Gilbert Police Department in our mission to hold those who victimize our community accountable.
