A sixth-grader’s evening ride turned frightening last month when two teenagers allegedly held him at gunpoint and demanded his electric bike near a Gilbert middle school. The incident, which unfolded quickly but left a lasting impact, has resulted in serious criminal charges for both suspects.
Authorities say the confrontation happened on the evening of February 6th, not far from Greenfield Junior High. The boy, just 12 years old, was riding his e-bike when the two teens blocked his path. According to prosecutors, the older suspect — 18-year-old Dyllin Keys — pointed a firearm at the child and made a direct threat: hand over the bike, or face the consequences.
The boy did as he was told, then immediately called 911. Officers responded and, within just a few minutes, located Keys nearby — still with both the stolen bike and the weapon in his possession.
The second suspect, a 14-year-old whose name has not been released due to his age, was seen fleeing the scene on the night of the robbery. He wasn’t apprehended immediately, but a coordinated effort between patrol officers, detectives, and school resource officers eventually led to his identification and arrest nearly two weeks later on February 17th. He was booked into a juvenile detention facility.
Keys now faces a lengthy list of charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, and weapons misconduct, among others. A grand jury indicted him on those counts, and his bond has been set at $50,000. He is scheduled to appear in court for trial this coming June. The younger suspect faces a single count of aggravated robbery through the juvenile justice system.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise even in familiar neighborhoods — and of how quickly law enforcement can act when a child’s safety is on the line.
