3rd suspect arrested in attack on teen in Surprise; case meets criteria for Preston’s Law

A third suspect was identified and arrested in connection with a group assault on a teen at a party in Surprise earlier this year, authorities announced Thursday.

The Surprise Police Department isn’t releasing the names or ages of the suspects because they are minors.

“Swarming” assaults involving three or more attackers meet the criteria for Preston’s Law, meaning the suspects can be charged with aggravated assault, a Class 4 felony, instead of misdemeanor assault.

State lawmakers enacted Preston’s Law last year in response to the October 2023 beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord outside Halloween Party in Queen Creek.

Last week, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said 63 people, more than half of them juveniles, have been charged under Preston’s Law since it went into effect in September.

What do we know about assault on teen at party in Surprise

The Surprise assault occurred April 4 at a large gathering near Sarival Avenue and Greenway Road. According to ABC15, the attackers threatened the victim at gunpoint.

The house party attracted many people that the hosts did not know after information about it was shared on social media.

Police said investigations into this type of incident can be complex and time-consuming. Detectives have been reviewing digital evidence, serving search warrants and following up on leads as they work to identify everybody involved in the attack.

Anyone with photos, videos or information about the assault is asked to contact the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000, 623-222-TIPS (8477) or crimetips@surpriseaz.gov.

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