The El Mirage Police Department Youth Academy celebrated the graduation of its students today, marking the end of a weeklong learning experience focused on police work. We are incredibly proud of the growth the students have shown in such a short time, as they gained knowledge, built confidence, and faced uncomfortable challenges head-on.
Thank you to the parents for their unwavering support and to the amazing students who dedicated a week of their summer to join us in this program.
Our commitment to this program involves a significant investment of time, effort, planning, and resources. Giving back to our youth in this way is something that staff members hold dear, often more than the participants realize. The memories and experiences gained during this academy will surely be cherished for years to come. https://t.co/G3M2Xu6UrQ
MAY - UNCLAIMED PROPERTY LIST
This is our final effort to reach property owners following unsuccessful previous attempts. This is not an attempt to initiate warrant arrests as background checks will only be conducted for individuals wanting to claim firearms.
A new list of unclaimed property will be published at the beginning of each month, in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 12-941, which, upon review, may also answer many of your questions.
Make an appointment to claim your property. A photo ID is required. Property not claimed by July 1, 2026, will be disposed of in accordance with the law.
CONTACT US:
623-500-3025
[email protected]
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(excluding holidays)
LOCATION: El Mirage Police Department 12401 W. Cinnabar Ave. El Mirage, AZ 85335
https://t.co/8eETyhDgVG
As a police officer, you never know what your next call for service will be during your shift. There are many rewarding moments when you help members of the community, but occasionally, you encounter situations where assistance is needed, and your creative skills come into play. This is one of those instances.
In the quiet early hours of May 19, 2026, EMPD Officer Campbell was driving near North A Street and West Thunderbird Road when two concerned community members flagged him down. They pointed him toward a faint sound coming from a storm drain—a small kitten, trapped and unable to get out.
With no hesitation, Officer Campbell began searching for anything that could help. Using what he had on hand, he improvised a makeshift tool and carefully worked his way into the narrow opening of the drain. After a few patient moments, he managed to lift the frightened kitten to safety.
Relieved and grateful, one community member offered to take the kitten home and care for it.
Officer Campbell’s quick thinking, compassion, and initiative turned a simple call for help into a small but meaningful rescue—an example of the service and professionalism at the heart of the EMPD’s values.
As National Police Week concludes, today is observed as Peace Officers Memorial Day. We honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely serving their communities. Their courage, service, and dedication will always be remembered.
This morning, at 8:23 a.m., El Mirage Police officers responded to an injury collision on North El Mirage Road at West Peoria Avenue. When officers arrived, they learned that at least two vehicles had been involved in a collision and that witnesses reported a pedestrian had been struck and seriously injured. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and began life-saving measures. The nature of the person's injuries is unknown, and they are being transported to a hospital for treatment. There are reports of additional injuries, but the extent and nature of those injuries are not yet known.
Due to the ongoing investigation, the intersection will remain closed, and motorists are asked to find alternate routes and avoid the area.
Law enforcement continues to see scam reports across many communities, and we want to ensure you do not become a victim. Callers will impersonate El Mirage Police Officers, claiming they need to discuss a sensitive matter or collect payment owed to the Police Department. These fraudulent communications can also be received as text messages or emails.
It is imperative to understand that the El Mirage Police Department will NEVER call, text, or email you demanding any payments to avoid arrest.
Scammers often use law enforcement titles and language to instill fear, hoping you will provide them with sensitive information or personal data. There are numerous scams aimed at acquiring your personal information for identity theft, which can give criminals access to your bank accounts, credit cards, and other private information.
If you receive calls, emails, or text messages from anyone claiming to be an officer or affiliated with law enforcement, please call the El Mirage Police Department's non-emergency line at (623) 500-3000 to report your concern.
During this National Police Week, the El Mirage Police Department proudly sent several members of our honor guard to Washington, D.C., to represent the city of El Mirage and honor our nation’s fallen heroes at the national memorial service.
Today, the El Mirage Police Department and El Mirage Fire Department gathered in front of the remembrance stones at the Police Department to honor Officer Paul Lazisky (EOW 12/12/17) and K9 Koki (EOW 11/22/19). Both made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our community, and their service and legacy will never be forgotten. #nationalpoliceweek
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week.
This occasion is dedicated to showing our respect, honoring, and remembering the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty while ensuring the safety and protection of others. This year, 363 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including 109 officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2025.
For more information and a schedule of events taking place in our nation’s capital, many of which can be viewed via livestream, please visit the following link: https://t.co/brrLuU3V6U
APRIL - Unclaimed Property List
This social media post is our final effort to reach property owners, following unsuccessful previous attempts. It is not intended to initiate warrant arrests; a background check will be conducted only for individuals seeking to claim firearms.
We will publish a new list of unclaimed property at the beginning of each month, in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 12-941, which, upon review, may also answer many of your questions.
Make an appointment to claim your property. A photo ID is required. Property not claimed by June 1, 2026, will be disposed of in accordance with the law.
CONTACT US:
623-500-3025
[email protected]
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(excluding holidays)
LOCATION: El Mirage Police Department 12401 W. Cinnabar Ave. El Mirage, AZ 85335
https://t.co/8eETyhDgVG
Homicide Investigation Update
On April 27, 2026, the El Mirage Police Department (EMPD) responded to and investigated a homicide that occurred in the 12400 block of West Dreyfus Drive. Over the course of that night and through the following days, EMPD detectives worked diligently to piece together the events that led to the deadly shooting of a juvenile male.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, detectives arrested Schiloh Albin Niyibizi, age 17, of Surprise, for the fatal shooting of the juvenile victim. Niyibizi was booked into the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Facility and charged with 2nd Degree Murder, attempted 2nd Degree Murder, as well as several other felony and misdemeanor charges related to the incident.
“Gun violence has no place in our community, particularly with juveniles,” said Police Chief Paul Marzocca. “Our gunshot detection system assisted our officers in responding to the area quickly, and the support from the Arizona Department of Public Safety in processing evidence at the scene was instrumental in providing our investigators with the information to assist in making the arrest. I also want to thank our community members that called and stepped in to assist on the night of this incident. Their willingness to provide aid and share information with our detectives is a testament to the strong police-community relationship in El Mirage.”
EMPD Youth Academy – Register Now!
Scan the QR code in the post image or click the link below to register:
https://t.co/LU9sMROSp6
Academy Class Dates: Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 5
Age Group: 13-16 years old
The online application process will remain open until midnight on May 15.
Don’t delay signing up, as space is limited! Only 25 applicants will be selected to attend.
If you have any questions, please email our team at [email protected], and a Youth Academy Advisor will respond to you as soon as possible.
This morning, Biscuits Café and its dedicated staff hosted our first multi-agency Coffee with a Cop event in Surprise. A big thank you to the @MCSOAZ and @Surprise_PD for partnering with us on this wonderful event, and to the community members who came by to join us. The officers and deputies always appreciate the opportunity to share a cup of coffee and connect with the community in such a public and social setting. After this great turnout, we look forward to having another multi-agency event in the coming months.