Woman abducted from Mesa store trunk held for hours
Thompson was abducted in daylight near Smitty's at 1935 N Stapley Dr. A pistol-wielding man forced her into the trunk after a robbery attempt. She pried the trunk open, scratched a message in blood, and held a note for help while the suspect fled. Teens alerted staff. police later recovered the car. The attacker, white about 35 with a mustache, wore a green hunting-style hat and spoke with a Southern accent.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Thompson
Mesa
Smitty’s
N. Stapley Drive
Sean Studdard
Andrew Hillman
Mesa Lutheran Hospital
Earle Lloyd
ATM safety tips and crime trends in Valley cities
Mesa police advocate daytime banking and awareness to deter purse snatchings and robberies at ATMs during the holiday season. Glendale and Phoenix report 11 armed ATM robberies on Camelback Road since late October, while Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe have had none in about a year. Gilbert adds drive-thru ATMs as safer options. Bank One in Gilbert added a drive-up ATM two months ago due to high walk-up traffic.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mesa
Earle Lloyd
Chandler
Gilbert
Tempe
Glendale
Phoenix
Camelback Road
Lawrence Roberts
Roberts
Jack Young
Bank One
N. Gilbert Road
ATM safety tips and camera use guidance
The advice covers staying aware, avoiding night usage alone, and using well lit front-lot ATMs inside stores. Arizona officials emphasize cameras activate with card use, aiding suspect identification, though some robbers avoid camera sightlines. Glendale reports nine armed robberies. photos aid investigations but vary in clarity.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Deborah Huerta
Richard Traveler
Arizona State Banking Department
Mitch Kelsey
Glendale Police Public Information
East Valley Police Departments
Concord
Maton Wie
Breaby
Nood Blades Sauareibie
ALL Hunter
Southern Lee
Stapley
Warite
Sealy
Sealy Posturopedic
1&M
Jennion
Arizona
Ave. & Bell
Sun
W. Latham
McDowell
51St Ave
Barrows
California
Las Vegas
E. Broadway Rd
E. Camelback Rd
Rurmtuten
West Plaza
North 35Th Ave
35Th Ave
Bethany Home Rd
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!