Maricopa Police Department was busy last night, conducting a “high-risk traffic stop” at Sonoran Creek Marketplace and conducting a search warrant with Pinal County Regional SWAT team at a home in the Villages at Rancho El Dorado community. 

Cops confirmed this afternoon that the two events last night were linked to today’s announcement of two teens arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Esteban Valenzuela in the Maricopa Meadows Nov. 22. 

Hidden Valley resident Brianna McCorkle took to Facebook and shared a photo of the heavy police presence at Marshalls last night captioned: “Holy crap!!! At least eight cops came out with rifles or guns and swarmed an SUV!” 

Reporters on the scene saw officers searching and photographing the home’s garage and vehicles.

“Details are still emerging, but initial reports indicate that the incident involved a group of juveniles and young adults,” according to the statement released earlier today. “There was an altercation, and a firearm was discharged, tragically striking and fatally wounding one of the juveniles.” 

MPD arrested two juveniles involved, and they are now facing charges. Citing an ongoing investigation, police are withholding specific details about the charges at this time. “The investigation remains active, with detectives working diligently to piece together the events that led to this fatal outcome,” according to the statement. 

MPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.