Teenagers doubt becoming an “official gang” and brag about assaults in 2022

GILBERT, AZ — ABC15 has obtained a new police report related to a teen violence case in Gilbert.

The attack happened in December 2022 at In-N-Out Burger in Gilbert. Connor Jarnagan was injured in an assault that police say involved brass knuckles. Two teenagers were subsequently arrested, and one of them has since been charged with multiple cases of teen violence.

A newly obtained police report details Snapchat messages exchanged between some of the suspects accused of being involved in the assault. These posts reportedly show teens not only bragging about the assault, but also questioning whether they should become an “official gang.”

According to the report, someone even suggested going on a “police killing spree.” The messages also included someone referencing his involvement in more than 30 assaults.

After reading the police report, ABC15 asked Gilbert police what actions they took in early 2023 when these messages were discovered.

The department said in a statement Tuesday that “the teens who allegedly exchanged these messages were thoroughly investigated, and Gilbert PD disputes their claim that they were linked to more than 30 assaults.” The department also told ABC15 there was no evidence of gang activity.

Since the attack, Jarnagan has used his voice to spark change when it comes to brass knuckles. Both Gilbert and Chandler passed new ordinances prohibiting the sale or possession of brass knuckles to minors. Both will take effect in these municipalities later this month.

Connor Jarnagan's family shared a statement with ABC15 Tuesday evening:

“We are disappointed and disturbed after reading the police report. This clearly shows that there were major red flags with this group of teenage thugs who continued to terrorize East Valley teenagers, even after we were able to prosecute one of them. We continue to hope that justice will be served in each case, and we look forward to the upcoming Arizona legislative session where we plan to once again pursue the ban on brass knuckles.