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| Photo Credit: Mesa Police Department |
Mesa Police investigate a suspected intentional explosive device attack on a patrol vehicle near Sunland and 96th Street. Three men detained, one officer hospitalized.
By Ciara Perez | Senior Multimedia Correspondent | iSkyNews.com
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MESA, AZ (November 12, 2026) – A Mesa Police officer was injured early Thursday morning after an explosive device detonated next to his occupied patrol vehicle while investigating reports of gunfire in an East Mesa neighborhood.
The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. near Sunland and 96th Street, prompting a significant law enforcement response, a precautionary school lockdown, and an investigation into what authorities believe may have been an intentional attack on an officer.
According to the Mesa Police Department, three adult males have been detained in connection with the incident.
The injured police officer has been released from the hospital. The extent of the officer’s injuries has not been disclosed.
Explosive Device Detonates Next to Occupied Patrol Vehicle
Mesa Police said officers were initially investigating a nearby report of shots fired when an officer searching the area in a fully marked patrol vehicle encountered an unexpected and dangerous situation.
The officer had his emergency lights activated when an unknown explosive device detonated immediately next to his vehicle.
The officer was inside the patrol vehicle at the time of the explosion.
The blast damaged the police vehicle and injured the officer, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released.
According to police, the officer sustained injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. The exact nature and extent of those injuries have not been released.
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| Credit: iSkyNews.com / Ciara Perez |
Police Believe Device Was Intentionally Thrown at Officer
Investigators say preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates the explosive device was intentionally thrown at the officer.
Authorities have not yet identified the type of device involved, and the circumstances leading up to the explosion remain under investigation.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Christopher Byasse, 57, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including:
Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
Arson
Misconduct involving weapons
Criminal damage
Disorderly conduct involving a weapon
Possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor
An additional weapons-related charge
Christopher Jones, 55, was also arrested and faces charges of:
Arson
Criminal damage
Investigators are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the potential involvement of those detained.
Mesa Police also clarified that the original report of gunfire, which initially brought officers to the area, appears to be unrelated to the explosion.
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| Credit: iSkyNews.com / Ciara Perez |
iSkyNews Reporters Interview Mesa Police Detective Laura Cervantes
Reporters with iSkyNews.com responded to the scene and spoke with Mesa Police Detective Laura Cervantes, who provided information regarding the incident and ongoing investigation.
Our news crew documented the police response, including investigators working throughout the neighborhood, marked patrol vehicles, and specialized police resources involved in securing and processing the area.
Additional coverage captured by iSkyNews.com includes aerial drone footage, ground-level video, photographs, and views of the surrounding neighborhood.
Mesa Police forensic personnel were also observed at the scene as authorities continued their investigation.
Nearby School Placed on Precautionary Lockdown
The incident also resulted in a temporary lockdown at a nearby school as police worked to secure the surrounding area.
According to Mesa Police, the lockdown was implemented as a precaution during the investigation.
The school lockdown has since been lifted.
Authorities emphasized that the explosion appears to have been an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community.
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| Credit: iSkyNews.com / Ciara Perez |
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| Credit: iSkyNews.com / Ciara Perez |
Investigation Remains Ongoing
As investigators continue examining evidence and interviewing individuals connected to the incident, several questions remain unanswered.
Authorities have not publicly identified the explosive device, released a possible motive, or provided additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the suspected attack.
The investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as detectives continue their work.
Our thoughts are with the injured officer, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
We also extend our appreciation to the Mesa Police Department, responding emergency personnel, and investigators who continue working to protect the community.
iSkyNews.com will continue monitoring this developing investigation and provide additional updates as verified information becomes available.
Source and Media Credits
Source: Mesa Police Department, Media Relations Unit
On-Scene Interview: Mesa Police Detective Laura Cervantes
Reporting, Photography & Video: Ciara Perez | iSkyNews.com & Estevan Reyes (AZValleyMedia)
Aerial Footage: Ciara Perez | FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot
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