1 killed in shooting at Wild Horse Pass Casino near Chandler

PHOENIX – Police in a community near Chandler said a man was shot to death in a parking garage at Wild Horse Pass Casino early Thursday and the suspect was in custody.

Gila River Police Department officers responded to the scene around 2 a.m. and heard gunfire coming from the third level of the parking garage, according to authorities.

A man was found on the ground while another man was actively engaged in gunfire pointed in the direction of a woman running from the area.

Officers fired shots at the suspect and the suspect fired back, according to authorities. Neither the officers nor the suspect was hit.

A short foot pursuit ensued before officers took the suspect into custody without further incident.

Authorities announced April 21 that 37-year-old Jonathan Lorenz has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail on the charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.

The man on the ground, identified as 52-year-old Phillip Bachelder, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

The woman and the Gila River Police Department officers were not injured.

The suspect was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities say the incident was not a random act of violence and the solo suspect is in custody as officers are not actively searching for others involved.

The casino is operated by the Gila River Hotels and Casinos.

It was the first shooting of the year involving the Gila River Police Department and 16th overall by Valley law enforcement, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM research.

Related

FBI search for Robert Fisher continues 20 years after Arizona murdersCien Agaves Tacos & Tequila expands with new East Valley location“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie begs for “someone to come forward” in her mother’s disappearanceGreat Wolf Lodge looks to expand resort with additional towerMaricopa County Library District celebrates opening of new West Valley branchBygone mall favorite Hot Dog on a Stick plans return to Arizona