El Mirage police made quick arrests on New Year’s Eve after an automatic gunshot detection system alerted officers to gunfire near El Mirage Road and Thunderbird Road, a response that neighbors say prevented a dangerous situation from getting worse.
Police said the alert came in around 7:30 p.m. and officers arrived within minutes to locate the source of the shots. Residents said they were outside when they suddenly heard multiple rounds and ducked for cover, then watched patrol units flood the area as officers responded to the call.
Investigators determined the gunfire was coming from next door. Police ultimately took Guadalupe Alvarez, a 69-year-old man, into custody. After searching the home, officers reportedly found three handguns, two rifles, and a shotgun, along with more than 500 rounds of ammunition and eight spent casings in the yard. Police also arrested Delorma Alvarez, 62, after she allegedly refused to provide her name during the investigation.
Training Tips
-
Treat celebratory gunfire calls as time-sensitive officer safety events, not nuisance complaints, because rounds can be ongoing and the shooter may still be outside.
-
Use containment and distance early. Set a perimeter, use cover, and avoid walking straight into a yard where you may be backlit and exposed.
-
Coordinate contact and cover. One officer communicates, one watches hands and movement, and one maintains lethal cover if policy and conditions justify it.
-
Preserve evidence fast. Identify casings, bullet strikes, and witness statements before the scene gets contaminated by foot traffic and holiday activity.
-
If your area uses detection technology, train on how alerts populate, how to stage to the location, and how to confirm the source without tunnel vision.
