A Mesa woman is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly threatening motel guests with a knife during two separate incidents before later assaulting a firefighter following her arrest, according to authorities.
Police identified the suspect as Audrey Gabriel, 53. She has been charged with several felony and misdemeanor offenses, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault on a first responder and multiple counts of disorderly conduct.
The first incident occurred around 3 a.m. at a motel near Country Club Drive and Hampton Avenue. Officers responded after receiving a report that a woman had threatened a guest with a knife. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and identified Gabriel, who was allegedly seen holding what appeared to be a silver object. The reporting party ultimately declined to pursue the matter further, and the investigation was initially closed.
About two hours later, police were called back to the motel after another guest reported being threatened. According to investigators, Gabriel allegedly exited her room armed with a knife and advanced toward the victim.
When officers arrived, they said Gabriel barricaded herself inside her motel room and refused repeated requests to surrender. Mesa police deployed SWAT officers and crisis negotiators to the scene in an effort to resolve the standoff.
Authorities said Gabriel was eventually taken into custody after officers used less-lethal force when she emerged from the room.
While receiving a medical evaluation from Mesa Fire and Medical personnel, Gabriel allegedly kicked a firefighter in the upper body, leading to an additional aggravated assault charge involving a first responder.
Police said no officers, firefighters or members of the public suffered serious injuries during the incidents. The case remains under investigation as Gabriel faces prosecution on the charges.
