Gilbert Daily Local Headlines: Apartment shooting, DPS funeral, Citizens’ Academy sign-ups
Gilbert, AZ – February 24, 2026 – Apartment break-in ends with a shooting, DPS trooper-paramedic laid to rest, and police academy applications open.
Top story: Intruder shot during apartment break-in
Gilbert police say a man forced his way into an apartment and was shot by someone inside. The suspected intruder was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The investigation was ongoing as of Monday evening, and police have not released additional details about what led up to the confrontation.
For residents, it is a reminder that quick reporting matters. If you see suspicious activity in your complex or neighborhood, call 911 for emergencies and avoid confronting someone you believe is trying to break in.
Community mourning: DPS trooper-paramedic laid to rest in Gilbert
A funeral service was held Monday morning in Gilbert for DPS trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett, who died in a helicopter crash in Flagstaff earlier this month. Officials said the helicopter was responding to an active situation when it went down, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The service drew a large law-enforcement presence and prompted traffic impacts around the church and nearby major streets as the procession moved through town. Drivers in the area Monday may have noticed temporary closures and long stretches of escorted vehicles.
Looking ahead: Citizens’ Academy applications open
The town announced applications are now open for the spring session of the Gilbert Police Citizens’ Academy, a 13-week program that offers residents a behind-the-scenes look at policing topics ranging from patrol operations and investigations to K-9 and tactical units. Organizers say the first class is scheduled to begin April 8, participation is limited, and applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements and pass a background check.
Programs like this tend to attract neighborhood leaders, business owners, and residents who want a clearer picture of how calls are prioritized, how evidence is handled, and what resources officers can use in day-to-day situations.
Today’s quick list
- Apartment residents: review building access points and report broken gates, doors, or lighting issues.
- Commuters: expect occasional funeral-related traffic impacts to taper off now that Monday’s service has concluded.
- Interested in public safety: Citizens’ Academy applications are open now for the spring session starting in early April.
