On 8/26/2012, around 4:30 p.m., a PCSO deputy on patrol near Chui Chu Road south of Casa Grande ran a registration check on a white Chevrolet Suburban with four occupants inside.
The information came back showing the vehicle did not have required insurance coverage.
As the deputy attempted to catch up to the SUV and initiate a traffic stop, the driver pulled into a residence along Chui Chu Road and parked in the driveway.
Suspecting the driver was attempting to avoid a traffic stop, the deputy continued down the road a short distance and parked.
Minutes later, the Suburban pulled out of the residence and continued down the road toward the deputy, who observed only the driver remained in the SUV.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Faye Ventura, 40, of Sellis, AZ. Ventura admitted she did not know anyone at the residence she pulled into. She also indicated the three people inside the vehicle were her teenage son, adult daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend. Ventura advised all three fled on foot to avoid active arrest warrants.
Additional PCSO units arrived to search the property for the remaining suspects.
Deputies made contact with the homeowner who gave consent to search the property for the suspects. Approximately thirty minutes after conducting a search of multiple buildings on the property, the suspect were located and arrested while trying to hide.
They were identified as Adrian Valdez, 26, of Casa Grande, Marla Molina, 22, of Casa Grande and Ventura’s juvenile son.
Valdez had a warrant for his arrest from the Arizona Department of Corrections for a Parole Violation and an additional warrant out of Casa Grande Justice Court for Assault. Moline had an active warrant out of Maricopa County for a DUI Hit and Run. The juvenile was also arrested and booked for an outstanding warrant.
Additionally, Valdez and Molina were charged with Criminal Trespassing, Burglary and Hindering Prosecution. Valdez was charged with Trespassing and Driving on a Suspended License.
“Criminals will often do anything they can to avoid law enforcement,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “In this case, the suspects involved an innocent family by trespassing on their property to avoid capture. They will not only face justice for previous felonies, now additional charges will put them behind bars for what will likely be an extended period of time.”
