Suspect in custody in West Valley shootings that killed 1, injured 12
Jun 17, 2021, 3:15 PM | Updated: Jun 18, 2021, 8:19 am
(TikTok screenshot/@neilbetrue)
PHOENIX — A suspect was in custody after one person died and 12 more were injured in a string of drive-by shootings in the West Valley on Thursday, authorities said.
Peoria Police got an initial call about a shooting near 103rd and Northern avenues at about 11:10 a.m., Sgt. Brandon Sheffert said during a press conference.
A total of eight incidents in Glendale, Peoria and Surprise were reported in the following two hours, Sheffert said.
A victim was found dead in a vehicle near the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway and Thunderbird Road, according to Sheffert.
Nine others were taken to three Banner Health hospitals in the West Valley, the hospital network told KTAR News 92.3 FM. Four of the 13 suffered gunshot wounds, Sheffert said.
The 12 people injured – all adults – are expected to make a full recovery, Peoria police said Thursday night.
The suspect, an adult male, was arrested at 147th and Grand avenues by Surprise police at about 12:45 p.m. without incident, authorities said.
“We are grateful for a safe resolution,” Surprise Police Sgt. Tommy Hale said.
A video of the arrest appeared on social media shortly after.
A weapon was located in the suspect’s vehicle, according to Sheffert.
Other shooting sites included 109th Avenue and Union Hills Drive; 111th Avenue and Union Hills Drive; and 113th Avenue and Bell Road.
Multiple Valley agencies and the FBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation.
Loop 101 and Loop 303 were closed in the West Valley for hours.
No other information was immediately available.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Tasler contributed to this report.