Surprise Police Dept

The Surprise Police Department is Committed to maintaining a Safe Community by providing Extraordinary Law Enforcement Service.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

Meet the man, the myth, the manicure... Edward Scooterhands.

Our two-wheeled troublemaker burglarized a vehicle, then scooted on over to an ATM to try out a stolen bank card.

Between the scooter, the fingernails and the getaway speed of a determined mall walker, there’s a lot to unpack here.

We’ve called him Scooter McGavin.
We’ve called him Loot Scootin Larry.
We’ve called him the Cuticle Criminal.

Now we’d just like to call him by his real name.

Recognize him? Give Surprise Police a call at 623-222-4000, case #260600489.

And Edward… if you’re watching, please don’t point at the screen. We’re worried about scratches.

#SurprisePD #EdwardScooterhands #CuticleBandit #ScooterMcGavin #NailedIt

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

Surprise Police Arrest Man Following International Extradition in Sexual Assault Investigation

Surprise, AZ (September 8, 2026) The Surprise Police Department has arrested Michael Munufie following an investigation into allegations that he repeatedly sexually assaulted a juvenile family member over a period of several months.

Very early into the investigation, Munufie fled the United States, initially traveling to Canada before ultimately traveling to the United Kingdom.

Surprise Police detectives referred the case to the United States Marshals Service (USMS) for assistance in locating, apprehending, and returning Munufie to the United States. Working in coordination with law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom, the USMS assisted in locating Munufie, who was detained by United Kingdom authorities while the legal process for his return to the United States was completed.

On August 28, 2026, Munufie was returned to the United States in the custody of the USMS. Surprise Police detectives took custody of Munufie at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and transported him directly to the Intake, Transfer and Release Jail for booking.

“Our detectives demonstrated tremendous diligence and determination throughout this investigation, never losing sight of their responsibility to seek justice for the victim,” said Surprise Police Chief Evan Becher. “Cases like this also demonstrate how important our partnerships with agencies such as the United States Marshals Service are. Their commitment and ability to work with international law enforcement partners were instrumental in bringing Munufie back to Arizona to face these charges. We are extremely grateful to the US Marshals and everyone who assisted in making his return possible.”

“Michael Munufie is accused of committing horrific crimes against a juvenile family member and then fleeing across international borders to avoid facing justice,” said U.S. Marshal Van Bayless. “This case demonstrates that leaving the United States does not end our pursuit. Through the persistence of our investigators and cooperation with our domestic and international partners, Munufie was located, apprehended, extradited, and returned to Arizona to face the charges against him. We hope his return provides the victim and her family with an important step toward justice and healing.”

Munufie was booked on the following charges:
3 counts ARS 13-1405(A) – Sexual misconduct with a minor (class 2 felony)
3 counts ARS 13-1404(A) – Sexual abuse (class 5 felony)

He is being held on a $150,000 bond.

The Surprise Police Department would also like to recognize law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom for their assistance and cooperation throughout this process.

This remains an active criminal case. To protect the privacy of the juvenile victim and the integrity of the judicial process, no additional information regarding the victim will be released.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

The Surprise Police Department has concluded a formal Professional Standards Unit investigation into an anomaly found during a routine audit of its Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, fully clearing the involved police officer of any system misuse.

Consistent with established department protocols, a police officer was placed on administrative leave two weeks ago while this formal review was conducted. The completed investigation confirms that the officer’s use of the system was appropriate and was conducted for legitimate public safety purposes. The officer has been fully cleared and will return to full duty status this week.

More details are available in the press release we sent out today, which is included as an image here and is also available online at https://t.co/JDUApyHWnf

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

UPDATE - Mariana was located and is safe. Thank you to our community in helping to locater her.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

The Surprise Police Department needs our community's help in locating a missing person. Mariana is 5’02” tall and approximately 125 lbs. She was last seen in the Prasada Shopping Center near Waddell and Sarival wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and white shoes. She has a medical condition that can cause her to become confused and disoriented.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surprise Police Department at 623.222.4000, or https://t.co/YLJcQIfvwy (8477) or email [email protected]. Please reference incident number 260801314.
#Missingperson #surprisepd #communityhelp

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

ARREST MADE IN SEXUAL OFFENSES INVESTIGATION | ADDITIONAL VICTIMS SOUGHT

On August 19, Surprise Police arrested 28-year-old Sameer Mardanzai following an extensive investigation into alleged sexual offenses involving a minor. Through search warrants and an extensive analysis of physical and digital evidence, detectives identified Mardanzai as a suspect.

Detectives booked Mardanzai into jail on the following charges:
• Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (A.R.S. § 13-3553)
• Sexual Conduct with a Minor (A.R.S. § 13-1405)

Mardanzai is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.

During the investigation, detectives developed information indicating that Mardanzai hosted parties attended by minors that were promoted on social media, where minors were allegedly provided drugs and alcohol.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, with related cases in other jurisdictions. Detectives are working to identify anyone else who may have been victimized.

If you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by Mardanzai, or if you have information about a potential victim, please contact your local law enforcement agency or Surprise Police:

📞 https://t.co/YLJcQIg3m6 (8477)

📧 [email protected]

*** The charges described above are allegations. Mardanzai is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. ***
#SurprisePD #service #integrity #justice #Arrest

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

Maintaining community trust is of the utmost importance to the Surprise Police Department. That’s why we are letting you know that we discovered an anomaly in the use of the Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) system this week that has resulted in the City suspending the use of the technology and placing an officer on administrative leave while an investigation can be completed.

More details are available in the press release we sent out today, which is included as an image here and is also available online at https://t.co/1bnHhzOLhF

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

The investigation into the assault that occurred at a Surprise house party in early April remains active, and our detectives continue to make significant progress.

To date, six juvenile suspects have been arrested, several with the assistance of the Surprise Police SWAT Team. Based on the circumstances of this case, the arrests meet the criteria for charges under Arizona's Preston's Law.

We know many in our community have been waiting for updates. Please remember that investigations involving multiple suspects, extensive digital evidence, search warrants, and juvenile offenders take time. Our detectives are committed to identifying everyone responsible and building the strongest possible case.

Because those arrested are juveniles and the investigation remains active, we cannot release additional details at this time. We do anticipate additional arrests and encourage anyone involved to turn themselves in.

If you have information related to this incident, please contact the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000, 623-222-TIPS (8477), or [email protected]. Please reference Incident #260400178.

Thank you to our community for your continued patience, support, and assistance as this investigation moves forward.

#Service #integrity #justice #surprisepd

[Dysart Schools @DysartUSD]

From @WillowCanyonHS to the U.S. Navy and now the @Surprise_PD, what an incredible journey! 🚔 Congratulations to WCHS alumnus Evan Valdez on being sworn in as one of Surprise's newest police officers. After five years of military service, Evan has returned home to continue serving the community he loves. We couldn't be more proud of the dedication and leadership he represents. Way to go, Evan! 👏🩵 Read more here: https://t.co/fFsVWNVfHI

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

The Surprise Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing video related to an incident from February 5, 2026.

WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language and graphic images that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

To view click here: https://t.co/SqZJnjTsS9

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

UPDATE: Zhamre has been located and is safe.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

The Surprise Police Department needs our community's help in locating a missing juvenile. Zhamre is 5'02" and 130 lbs. She was last seen in the area of Cactus and Sarival wearing a gray sweater and black leggings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surprise Police Department at 623.222.4000, or https://t.co/YLJcQIg3m6 (8477) or email [email protected]. Please reference incident number 260601026.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

Today we celebrate the dads who somehow manage to do it all, balancing work and play, showing up as volunteer coaches, helping with homework, cheering from the sidelines, and delivering the kind of dad jokes that make everyone groan and laugh at the same time.

To all the fathers who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and community... thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping us safe.

Happy Father's Day!

#HappyFathersDay #SurprisePD #thanksdad

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

🚨 Arrest Made in Residential Arson Investigation 🚨

On June 18, 2026, just before 3:00 a.m., Surprise Police responded to a report of an active fire at a residence near Greenway Road and Grand Avenue. The caller reported that her ex-boyfriend was on the property and allegedly setting the residence and vehicles on fire.

Officers arrived and took 56-year-old Carman Caldwell into custody without incident.

All occupants of the residence were safely evacuated. Surprise Fire-Medical Department personnel extinguished the fire and successfully contained it before it spread further.

A joint investigation conducted by Surprise Police detectives, Surprise Fire-Medical Department Arson Investigators, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) resulted in Caldwell being booked into the Maricopa County Intake, Transfer, and Release Jail on multiple felony charges, including:
▪️ Attempted First-Degree Murder
▪️ Arson of an Occupied Structure
▪️ Arson of Vehicles
▪️ First-Degree Burglary
▪️ Criminal Damage (Domestic Violence)
▪️ Endangerment (Domestic Violence)
▪️ Misconduct Involving Weapons
▪️ Interference with Judicial Proceedings

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit https://t.co/Owc1AFUTpk. In an emergency, call 911.
#SurprisePD #Service #Integrity #Justice

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

*** UPDATE *** Joi has been located and is safe.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

The Surprise Police Department needs our community's help in locating a missing person. Joi is 5ft tall and 140 lbs. She was last seen in the area of 163rd Avenue and Pat Tillman wearing black tank top and white shorts. She has a medical condition that may cause her to become confused.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surprise Police Department at 623.222.4000, or https://t.co/YLJcQIg3m6 (8477) or email [email protected]. Please reference incident number 260600714

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

*** Officer Involved Shooting Update ***

On June 13th, 2026, around 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a domestic violence call at a home in the area of N Reems Rd and W Acoma Dr. The caller reported that a man and his adult son were in an argument and multiple gunshots had been fired in the house. Officers responded to the home and an officer involved shooting occurred.

The son was fatally shot by the responding officer, and officers later discovered the father deceased inside the home.

There are no other injuries reported. No officers were injured and there is no threat to the community.

The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation. This will be the subject of both an internal and criminal investigation. Consistent with West Valley Investigative Response Team protocols, the incident will be independently investigated by the Glendale Police Department. Further information will be provided by their public information team.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

For our media partners... Media staging will be N 152nd Drive and W Port Royale Lane. PIO is en-route.

[Surprise Police Dept @Surprise_PD]

Surprise Police are currently on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in the area of N Reems Rd and W Acoma Dr.

No officers were injured, and there are no outstanding threats to the community.

We will provide additional information when able.

#CommunityAlert #Police #News

[KTAR News 92.3 @KTAR923]

Need a safer place to meet a stranger for an online sale — or handle a child custody exchange?

@Surprise_PD now have a Safe Exchange Zone: a well-lit, recorded area outside police headquarters that’s available 24/7.

Footage is kept for 60 days and can be requested through a public records request if something happens.🚸

MORE DETAILS: https://t.co/XTGbgqMtHs