A tragic incident unfolded in Phoenix as a man was found dead in what appears to be a shooting-related car crash. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the man, identified as 44-year-old Erik Lagunas, was discovered inside a van that had careened into an electrical pole near 23rd and Fillmore Streets after reports of gunshots around 2 p.m. on Feb. 5th.
Alive wires hindered first responders’ efforts to reach the driver after knocking down an electrical pole in the van. "When they arrived, officers found the vehicle into the pole and were unable to reach the driver due to the live power lines around the collision," Sgt. Phil Krynsky said in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. The area’s power had to be cut for several hours to allow safe access to the victim.
In a related report by ABC 15, police initially detained a man believed to be connected with the shooting. However, he was later released. The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Medical Examiner, and the incident's details remain under the scrutiny of the ongoing police investigation.
The first responders, after the power was safely turned off by APS, were then able to reach Lagunas, but he was pronounced dead on the scene. "Crews from APS responded to deactivate the power lines. Firefighters were then able to reach the driver," a Phoenix Police Department spokesperson told FOX 10 Phoenix. The area was plunged into darkness as a result of this cautionary measure, but power has since been restored.
Given the severity of the event and the pending nature of the investigation, law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward. They have provided contact details for Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, or for Spanish speakers, at 480-TESTIGO, to report anonymously.
