Police release suspect into mother’s custody based on behavioral health issues

Police released a 38-year-old man into the custody of his mother late this afternoon after he was accused of assaulting his 74-year-old father in the 44800 block of West Desert Garden Lane in Alterra, Maricopa Police said.

Officer Stephen Judd, a spokesman for Maricopa Police, said Robert Adams was initially believed to have been armed and dangerous based on the 911 call in which the victim reported that Adams was in vehicle with a gun. Every police unit on duty responded to take part in the high-risk traffic stop which required closing State Route 347 for nearly 30 minutes while police took him into custody at gun point, Judd said.

“Adams apparently assaulted his 74-year-old father and then threatened to continue to harm him,” Judd said. “There is an allegation that threats were made against his life by the son. The 74-year-old father then ordered the son to leave. He did, and as he was leaving, the father called 911.”

Because of Adams’ psychiatric history, Judd said police released him to his mother, who planned to take him to Chandler Regional Hospital for behavioral health treatment.

In addition, because Adams did not use the gun during the assault or arrest, he will not face felony charges related to aggravated assault as it was originally believed might be the case.

“It appears there is probable cause that domestic violence charges will be filed against the son,” Judd said. “We are releasing him pending those misdemeanor domestic violence charges.”

Adams’ father showed signs of the abuse in the form of visible marks, but did not require medical attention.

“They were basically fighting, pushing, shoving and kicking,” Judd said. “There weren’t any major injuries.”

Police will file paperwork with the Office of the Pinal County Attorney this evening telling them “This is what we think happened, this is what we know happened,” Judd said. “If he feels there is probable cause, and he probably will, then he will issue a summons for that person’s arrest.”

Adams, who lives in the Valley, was visiting his parents over the weekend to watch sporting events.

“He was actually heading out of town when the officers stopped him,” Judd said.