One dead, one critically injured in shooting at Mesa pizza restaurant
Nov 3, 2022, 9:26 AM | Updated: 11:46 am
(Screenshot/Google Maps)
(Screenshot/Google Maps)
PHOENIX – Police in Mesa said a man died by his own hand but not before shooting and critically wounding another man after an argument inside a pizza restaurant late Wednesday afternoon.
The Mesa Police Department said Joseph Papineau, 51, was pronounced dead at a hospital and Jason Zuchowski, 45, had surgery for life-threatening injuries after the shooting at Desert Peaks Pizza and Grille near Recker and McKellips roads.
Police said they received multiple emergency calls about shots fired inside the restaurant shortly before 5 p.m.
The men had argued over Zuchowski’s girlfriend, who had previously dated Papineau, police said.
Papineau was already inside when the couple came in and sat at the other end of the bar.
Witnesses told officers the men eventually began to argue. Papineau then walked over to Zuchowski, shot him, then shot himself.
Police said although the investigation is ongoing, they “are not looking for anyone else.”
No other details were made available.
