Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson and Police Chief Michael Soelberg pledged to be part of the solution to teen violence in the town and region and said they will not resign their positions despite public pressure.
In an extensive sit-down interview with the Daily Independent, the Gilbert officials reviewed how events unfolded in their eyes, discussed the role of the police and town council in addressing these issues and responded to criticisms about their handling of the situation, including allegations of a cover-up and a lack of empathy on their part.
Peterson also threw “110%” support behind Soelberg and the Gilbert Police Department, though one large media outlet in town called for Soelberg’s resignation or firing for, in its view, destroying public trust in the wake of the incidents.
