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PD: Neighbors come forward after Mesa family defies bully

PD: Neighbors come forward after Mesa family defies bully
Posted at 12:24 PM, Jul 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-29 08:40:12-04

A Mesa family defied the neighborhood bully, leading other neighbors to come forward.

Mesa police report that on July 23 a man, later identified as 32-year-old Daniel Ruiz Espinoza, assaulted a victim on a bicycle by throwing a large concrete rock at them. He also threatened a woman, along with her husband and child by saying he would, "Cut them into pieces."

Police say they witnessed some of the confrontation in the neighborhood near Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue.

Espinoza, a documented gang member, allegedly kicked a Mesa police officer in the chest as he was being arrested. 

Police say as they were talking with the victims "multiple neighbors came out and stated he made numerous threats towards them including threatening them with a baseball bat."

Neighbors say Espinoza also damaged their property. They also told police that fear of the suspect forced them into silence. 

Espinoza was arrested for aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and other charges.