The Phoenix Police Department reports that a late-night brawl outside a downtown Phoenix bar has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man, identified as Rafael Montoya. FOX 10 Phoenix shared details that on Sunday around 2:30 a.m., Montoya was found injured on the ground near Central Avenue and McKinley Street, following a large street fight that erupted by the bar.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Phil Krynsky reported that two off-duty officers, working as security guards at the undisclosed bar, worked to quickly diffuse the fight when they discovered Montoya lying unconscious with head injuries. Despite initially being found breathing, Montoya was rushed to the hospital and succumbed to his injuries after three days, passing away on Wednesday. "During their shift, a large fight broke out between multiple individuals on the street, just outside the business. Officers worked to diffuse the fight when they were alerted by witnesses to a man, later identified as 22-year-old Rafael Montoya, lying on the ground. An officer assessed Montoya and noted he was breathing but unconscious with injuries to his head," said Krynsky in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Investigators have conducted interviews and searched for video evidence from bystanders who may have recorded the incident, as shared by AZCentral. While several people involved in the brawl were interviewed and later released, no arrests have been made thus far. "Detectives believe there are more individuals out there who possibly captured video footage of the incident. The Department is asking those individuals to come forward and share that footage with investigators," Sgt. Krynsky said.
The Phoenix Police Department has provided a digital platform for submitting video evidence to gather more information regarding the incident. Sgt. Krynsky highlighted the importance of community assistance by stating, "Detectives believe there are people who possibly captured video footage of the incident, and the department is asking them to come forward and share that footage with investigators," according to a report by AZCentral. A QR code where witnesses can access a portal to submit videos has been made available, and anyone with information can also contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTEGO (480-837-8446) for Spanish speakers, all while maintaining the option to remain anonymous.
