2 honored for aiding in arrest

Josh Kelley
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 9, 2005 12:00 AM    

The Gilbert Police Department has commended Terri Tobey and Beth Navarro for providing information leading to the arrest of a man suspected of trying to abduct children near two elementary schools in Gilbert last month.

Tobey came to the aid of a 12-year-old girl who ran away screaming from a car near Islands Elementary that police said they believe was driven by the suspect, 33-year-old Spencer Ray Baker of Gilbert. Tobey had just dropped off her child at school when she noticed the girl trying to avoid a man in a car parked on the wrong side of the road, police said.

The girl told investigators the man tried to lure her into his car verbally before he pulled up beside her, threatened to shoot her if she did not get in and displayed a "real cop gun," according to police.

When the girl ran, Tobey drove over to her and took her home, said Gilbert police Lt. Joe Ruet.

Tobey also described to investigators in detail the man and his car, which helped lead to the arrest of Baker, police said.

Navarro, a crossing guard at Settler's Point Elementary, obtained the license plate number of the same car and called authorities, which police say allowed them to positively identify Baker later at his apartment.

Ruet said Navarro took down the number after the man driving the car threatened four girls, ages 7 to 10.

Tobey and Navarro were scheduled to be recognized for their actions by Police Chief John Brewer on Tuesday night during the Town Council meeting.

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