Gila River Indian Community Faces Crisis After Police Chief Firing

Leadership Changes Amid Rising Violence in Gila River Indian Community

The Gila River Indian Community, located south of Phoenix, has been confronting a significant surge in gang-related violence, much of which involves young individuals. This struggle has been publicly acknowledged by the tribe since February, marking a shift from their typically private nature.

In a surprising turn, the community recently dismissed Police Chief Jesse Crabtree. This move came shortly after he addressed public safety concerns at a town hall meeting. Although community members confirmed Crabtree’s termination, tribal leaders have remained silent on the matter, refusing to provide any details to KJZZ via their spokesperson.

Crabtree played a central role during a marathon town hall session on July 12. This event, held at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, saw him fielding numerous questions from attendees.

Over the weekend, widespread violence saw hundreds rallying in protest across the community, with organizers highlighting over 140 unresolved crimes in the nearly 600-square-mile reservation.

In Crabtree’s words, “We can’t police our way out of everything. We need partners from the community, from other departments,” emphasizing the shift towards community policing alongside managing routine crimes.

Crabtree’s dismissal occurred merely two days after the town hall, per reports from community members. His tenure as police chief began in 2023, following his role as a commander for three years. In 2024, he received the prestigious chief of police award from the National Native American Law Enforcement Association.

His career in law enforcement began in 1996 with Hopi Law Enforcement Services, with subsequent service spanning over two decades in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Apache Nation. Upon his promotion, the GRIC police statement praised his dedication to public safety and community collaboration to enhance the quality of life for the Gila River Indian Community.

Following his departure, any reference to Crabtree has been removed from the Gila River Police Department’s online staffing page, yet the tribe has not confirmed this change to KJZZ.

In the wake of Crabtree’s departure, sources indicate that former Police Chief Tim Chavez was approached to temporarily fill the position. However, Chavez ultimately chose against returning from retirement, citing internal conflicts within the department. As of now, the identity of Crabtree’s successor remains undisclosed, with the Gila River Indian Community yet to provide further clarity.