California fugitive sex offender arrested after riding e-bike where children hang out in Gilbert

A man seen wearing a Barbie backpack while riding an e-bike near children in the East Valley this week turned out to be a California fugitive sex offender, authorities said.

Gibran Alvarez, 35, was taken into custody Thursday after a barricade situation, according to the Gilbert Police Department.

Local authorities became aware of Alvarez on Tuesday when a caller reported seeing a suspicious man riding in areas where children gather in the afternoon, including near schools.

The Barbie backpack wasn’t the only unusual thing about the man, police said. In addition, his e-bike had a Disney Princess tote bag on its handlebars.

Officers contacted the man and were able to identify him as Alvarez. They learned he had a non-extraditable probation violation warrant from 2024 related to a 2023 felony conviction in Orange County for possession or control of child sexual abuse material.

The Gilbert Police Department’s Crisis Response Team found Alvarez two days later and negotiated with him by phone after he fled into his apartment.

Gilbert collaborates with California, federal authorities

Meanwhile, local authorities worked with the U.S. Marshals Service and Orange County District Attorney’s Office to alter Alvarez’s warrant to include nationwide extradition.

The Crisis Response Team obtained a search warrant while other Gilbert Police units, the town’s Fire and Rescue Department and the Chandler Police Department responded to execute it and arrest Alvarez.

He was booked into a Maricopa County jail, where he is being held without bond as a fugitive from justice.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank our community members who reported this concerning behavior to Gilbert PD. Their vigilance made a direct difference in this outcome and reflects the strong partnership between our community and the Gilbert Police Department in our mission to hold those who victimize our community accountable,” Gilbert Police said in a statement.

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