Police Investigating Valley Shooting Spree, I Dead, 13 Injured

June 17, 2021 Staff Reporter
The suspect, driving a white Volkswagen Tiguan, was arrested in the area of 147th Avenue and Grand Avenue. [Photo courtesy Peoria Police]

One person is dead, and thirteen are injured after a shooting spree in three cities in the Phoenix Valley.

According to Peoria Police Department, on June 17, 2021 at approximately 11:10 a.m., Peoria Police AZ responded to a report of a drive by shooting in the area of 103rd Avenue and Northern Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an adult in a vehicle who had been shot. The victim and a witness provided officers on scene with a description of the suspect, vehicle and license plate. The suspect was driving a white Volkswagen Tiguan and fled the scene.

While officers were investigating, numerous other reports of shootings were reported to the Peoria Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office and the Department of Public Safety. Information was provided to all valley agencies regarding the suspect vehicle description and suspect.

At approximately 12:42 p.m.. a member of the Surprise Fire-Medical Department was aware of the suspect vehicle description and located the vehicle in the area of 147th Avenue and Grand Avenue. The employee notified Surprise Police who responded, stopped the vehicle and took the suspect into custody. A weapon was located on scene.

According to Sergeant Tommy Hale of the Surprise Police Department, “the suspect was taken into custody without incident and we are grateful for a safe resolution”. The suspect was later transported to the Peoria Police Department where he is currently being processed.

Police do not believe there to be any additional suspects or immediate danger to the community.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the suspect was linked to at least eight incidents throughout Peoria, Glendale and Surprise. Thirteen people were injured, at least four were injured from gunfire and the others sustained other injuries. An adult victim was found deceased in a vehicle. All additional victims are adults and are expected to make a full recovery.

The eight incidents occurred at the following general areas.
– 103rd Avenue / West Northern Avenue
– Loop 101 / Thunderbird Road
– 109th Avenue / West Union Hills Drive
– 111th Avenue / West Union Hills Drive
– 113th Avenue / West Bell Road
– 118th Avenue / West Bell Road
– 21800 North El Mirage Road
– Loop 303 / Happy Valley Road