Apache Junction police shoot at man allegedly evading officers after bar stabbing
Jul 23, 2022, 4:01 PM | Updated: 4:18 pm
(Facebook Photo/Apache Junction Police Department)
(Facebook Photo/Apache Junction Police Department)
PHOENIX — A man faces charges after attempting to evade police following a bar stabbing that left three people injured in the East Valley early Saturday, authorities said.
Officers responded to reports of three people stabbed at a bar around 1:30 a.m. near Idaho Road and Superstition Boulevard, the Apache Junction Police Department said.
The victims were taken to a hospital, where two remained in stable condition and the other left before staff could asses their injuries.
Four people suspected to be involved in the altercation left in a vehicle before officers stopped them one block away, police said.
Three people were detained, while one, identified as 41-year-old Weston James, allegedly fled in the vehicle, dragging an officer a short distance.
Another officer fired at James, allowing the officer being dragged to release himself, police said.
James allegedly fled toward Canyon Lake and rammed one Pinal County Sheriff’s Office vehicle and one Apache Junction Police Department vehicle.
He was detained and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Authorities said charges are pending.
The Mesa Police Department Air Unit and PCSO aided in the pursuit.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Arizona Department of Public safety will investigate the officer-involved shooting.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Apache Junction Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 480-982-8260.
It was the 1st shooting of the year by Apache Junction police and 36th overall by law enforcement in the Valley, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM research.
