Man arrested in west Phoenix after exchanging gunfire with police
Jun 20, 2021, 10:00 AM | Updated: Jun 21, 2021, 10:21 am
(Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)
PHOENIX – Phoenix police arrested a man on several charges after he exchanged gunfire with two officers early Sunday, authorities said.
Officers responded to a call shortly before 1 a.m. to remove a man involved in an argument inside JJ’s Grill near 96th Avenue and Camelback Road.
When the man, who was identified Monday as 32-year-old Jesse Allen Villasaez, was asked to leave, he drove toward the officers and began shooting at them.
The officers fired back as the Villasaez drove eastbound. Villasaez continued firing at police and managed to escape.
Police were able to track Villasaez down through his address, where they arrested him. He was booked on multiple weapons and assault charges.
It was the 10th shooting of the year involving the Phoenix Police Department and 27th overall by law enforcement, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM research.