A 15-year-old boy is facing charges after police say five people were shot Saturday night in Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District.
The shooting
Sgt Bryan Hoskin said the Phoenix teen was with his family at the fountain at 91st and Glendale avenues around 9 p.m. on Saturday when he noticed some classmates.
A heated dispute and fight broke out, prompting the boy to fire his gun many times, according to Hoskin.
Five individuals were shot, including the suspect’s two sisters, one of whom is eight years old.
Four of the dead were in the group, with the fifth being grazed by a bullet but not implicated.
“None of the injuries reported by any of the victims were considered life-threatening, and most of those involved were treated and released from the local hospitals,” Hoskin stated.
Westgate was placed under lockdown while authorities and SWOT personnel searched for the shooter.
“The suspect was ultimately found hiding elsewhere within the plaza and was taken into custody without further incident,” Hoskin stated.
Police claimed the guy was caught with a 9 mm weapon and $850 cash. According to court documents, the suspect acknowledged holding up approximately $800 in cash to taunt the “opposing” gang.
During his police interview, he said he only fired once after seeing the other group draw a pistol and that he was acting in self-defence.
He claimed he wasn’t aiming at anyone specifically and fired from the hip.
According to court filings, the adolescent purchased the pistol at a park one week before the shooting.
How the teen got the gun
He informed officers that a man approached him and showed him videos of firearms for sale before selling him the gun for $400.
According to retired investigator Matt Browning, minors often obtain guns through one of three channels: a family member, a vehicle or home burglary, or a cash or drug deal.
“There are no checks, there’s no ID, there’s nothing — there’s just: give me the gun, give them the money and we’re good,” Browning replied.
The 15-year-old was taken into custody on counts of aggravated assault, endangerment, and minor in possession of a handgun. His name has not been revealed because he is under the age of 18.
Charges and investigation
Police stated the gunshot was an isolated event with no threat to the public. Hoskin stated that detectives are still seeking additional evidence about what transpired.
“If they have any videos or any information regarding this incident, they can please come forward and provide that to the Glendale Police Department,” he stated.
Westgate Entertainment District administrators announced in the following statement that the incident was not related to any Westgate-sanctioned activities.
Westgate Entertainment District is aware of the incident that took place on Saturday, July 4.
The incident was not connected to any Westgate-hosted events or programming. The safety and well-being of our guests, tenants and employees remains our highest priority. Westgate has established security protocols in place and maintains an ongoing relationship with the Glendale Police Department, working closely together to support a safe environment for all who visit the property.
We continue to cooperate with Glendale Police as they investigate this matter. Any questions regarding the ongoing investigation should be directed to law enforcement.
Westgate Entertainment District spokesperson
They can contact the department at 623-930-3000, or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers). Tips can be anonymous.
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