By admin 
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — New information is coming to light about the two men arrested for violent encounters while they acted as private security guards in the Valley.
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Glendale Police arrested Thomas Nickels, 22, and Alexander Alcantar, 21, this week after the two allegedly filmed themselves terrorizing people.
Police said Wednesday that the duo had firearms and police-style equipment and were actively recruiting new security group members.
The police department said its investigation began when a Violent Crime Impact Team officer found a social media post that promoted a teen party near 51st Avenue and Camelback Road. The officer connected the post to accounts that were connected to the party, which reportedly included accounts for “Desert Protection Security.”
Police said investigators found several posts that showed armed members of the security group chasing people onto roads, pointing rifles and handguns at them and threatening people in vehicles.
Police then said on July 11, a member of the group chased a teenager from a party in Buckeye and pointed a rifle at him. They said Nickels admitted to this incident in a later interview, while also acknowledging that the group did not have a proper security license.
Nickels also allegedly told police that when he threatened the occupants of a vehicle with a gun on July 4, neither person in the vehicle had pointed a weapon at him.
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Glendale police said investigators found videos that showed Alcantar wearing what appeared to be a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Volunteer Posse uniform. When asked about the videos, MCSO confirmed Alcantar volunteered in that program, but he did not complete initial requirements and was released from the Posse program.
Police said the group had numerous security licensing and conduct violations.
On Sept. 6, investigators allegedly found members of the group providing armed security services at another teen party in Phoenix. Officers found Nickels at that party, and they said he gave permission to search his vehicle, where police said they found a rifle, more security equipment and police-style gear.
Nickels was arrested for participating in a criminal syndicate, aggravated assault, unlawful imprisonment and impersonation of a peace officer. Alcantar was arrested for his reported participation, also facing multiple counts of aggravated assault and one count of impersonating a peace officer.
Glendale police said the investigation is still active, and more charges and arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information on incidents like the ones reported is asked to contact the Glendale Police Department.
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