Phoenix authorities are on the lookout for a suspect following a shooting that occurred early yesterday morning near the downtown area. The incident, which took place near 11th and Taylor streets, just north of Van Buren Street, was reported around 1 a.m., as per details from AZ Family. Police have confirmed the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and, while serious, the injuries are not expected to prove fatal.
In an unexpected twist of fate, a witness found himself unintentionally at the center of the emergency. Zane Cardoza, initially aiming to simply grab late-night eats, explained to AZ Family how a detour due to police activity led him directly to the unfolding violence. "Wrong place, right time, for sure," he said, recalling how his detour routed him to witness the shooting, aid the victim, and seemingly prevent further harm to another individual.
After hearing the gunshots and seeing the victim fall, Cardoza narrated how the attacker then turned toward a woman nearby, with intentions that appeared acutely threatening. He intervened, honking his car horn and shouting to attract attention before rushing to provide medical help to the injured man. Cardoza used his Navy search and rescue training to administer first aid, applying pressure to the wounds until paramedics arrived. "I just hopped out of the car and started putting pressure on his gunshot wounds," Cardoza recounted to AZ Family, detailing the extensive injuries.
The search for the shooter continues, as Phoenix Police confirm that no suspects are currently detained. According to a statement from Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, officers canvassed the area without success and detectives are actively investigating the case. As details about the suspect remain scarce, the community has been urged to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest. The Silent Witness program is available for tips, offering the numbers 480-WITNESS and 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers.
While the motivation behind the shooting is still unknown, officials are piecing together the events that transpired in the early morning hours. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to provide assistance in the investigation by contacting the aforementioned Silent Witness numbers.
