PHOENIX — Three suspects connected to a South American criminal organization were indicted Tuesday in Maricopa County for allegedly trying to break into a Phoenix home earlier this month, authorities announced.
The suspects are Sue Ellen Gutierrez Saez, 20, Johan Salvo Aracon, 21, and David Carlos Rojas Ferrada, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. (22 years old) was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery. .
All three suspects were also charged with other charges stemming from an incident that occurred on Feb. 16 near 44th Street and Camelback Road.
Saez was charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of forgery and one count of assuming the identity of another person.
Aracon was charged with one count of resisting arrest, one count of forgery and one count of assuming the identity of another person.
Ferrada was charged with forgery and assuming the identity of another person.
Authorities said all three suspects were using fraudulent identification documents and overstay visas.
“This is a highly organized and coordinated group that has the means to continue these criminal charges,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement.
How did the alleged members of a South American organized crime group get arrested in Phoenix?
Officers were already in the area near 44th Street and Camelback Road due to recent robberies.
Phoenix police say they saw the suspects enter the home, but then quickly tried to leave in a minivan.
Officers prevented the minivan from leaving, but the driver rammed the suspects into a police vehicle before fleeing into the neighborhood and was eventually arrested, police said.
What should you know about South American criminal groups?
Law enforcement agencies in the Phoenix metropolitan area have been working together since December to combat a wave of thefts linked to South American organized crime groups.
Officials believe the crime wave affecting Phoenix, Scottsdale and several other suburbs on both sides of the Valley is part of a national trend.
These groups target wealthy areas.
