Security guard at downtown Phoenix nightclub fatally shoots armed man, police say

PHOENIX – A security guard at a downtown Phoenix nightclub fatally shot an armed man Sunday night, authorities said.

Officers found Travonte Hayes on the ground near Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street with gunshot wounds around 8:30 p.m., the Phoenix Police Department said. Hayes, 28, died after being taken to a hospital.

Police said a man working security at Tru Ultra Lounge shot Hayes after Hayes was kicked out of the club and re-entered with a gun.

Investigators interviewed the guard and decided not to detain him.

The guard told police he fired in self-defense after Hayes pointed a gun at him.

“In consultation with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the security guard was released pending additional review,” Sgt. Melissa Soliz said in a press release Monday.

“This case is ongoing and information about what led up to the shooting is still under investigation.”

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