Mesa Police officials recently announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with a carjacking incident that originated as a car sale. The suspects, 29-year-old Joseph Toledo and 23-year-old Iridiane Garcia, were taken into custody following an investigation into the incident that occurred on January 17.

Unsettling Turn of Events during a Car Sale

On the mentioned date, a mother and her seven-year-old daughter met with a prospective car buyer, later identified as Garcia, at a bank near Stapley and McKellips. The mother had listed her 2021 red Dodge Charger on an online sales platform. Unfortunately, what began as a routine car sale took a disturbing turn when Garcia, the supposed buyer, pointed a gun at the woman while discussing the car and its sale price.

Fearing for her safety, the woman fled with her daughter, leaving the car behind. Toledo, identified by the police as the armed suspect, then demanded the vehicle from the woman before driving away with Garcia.

Swift Police Response and Investigation

Mesa Police officials quickly took action, identifying the phone number used for inquiries about the car as belonging to Toledo. Remarkably, both Toledo and the victims were unfamiliar with each other before the incident. Officers traced the phone to Banner Deer Valley Hospital, where they discovered the stolen vehicle unoccupied.

Subsequent investigation led the authorities to Toledo, who was located at the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, where he was meeting with his parole officer. Garcia was found waiting for him in the driver’s seat of a car parked outside the ADCRR.

Discovery of Stolen Vehicle and Key Details

The stolen vehicle was recovered at the hospital, and Garcia informed officers that the keys, along with the gun used in the incident, were in her purse. The unfolding details of the case painted a grim picture of the events that transpired during the carjacking.

Serious Charges for Toledo and Garcia

Both Toledo and Garcia now face multiple felony charges, including armed robbery and theft of means of transportation, underscoring the severity of their alleged offenses. The police statement did not reveal any prior connection between the suspects and the victims, emphasizing the seemingly random nature of the crime.

Conclusion

The carjacking incident turned car sale serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with online transactions. Law enforcement’s prompt response and thorough investigation led to the apprehension of the suspects, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable for criminal activities.