A road rage encounter turned into a shooting in Mesa on Wednesday, leaving at least one person wounded and a key East Valley intersection shut down as police swarmed the area.
The incident unfolded near Val Vista and University drives, where officers quickly moved in, blocked off streets and warned residents and drivers to steer clear while they worked the scene. It was not the sort of midweek traffic slowdown anyone had in mind.
Mesa police told 12News that the shooting was reported in the area of Val Vista and University, and that at least one person had been hit by gunfire. Officers described the situation as an active scene and continued asking people to avoid the intersection while detectives canvassed for witnesses and searched for evidence.
Investigation Underway
The Mesa Police Department has not released information about any suspects or the condition of the victim as the investigation continues. Detectives are gathering statements and combing the area for physical evidence, and officers urged anyone who may have recorded the confrontation to keep that footage safe and contact investigators.
Road rage incidents have been climbing across Arizona in recent years. An investigation by AZFamily found that road rage crashes more than doubled between 2020 and 2024, with local officials pointing to impatience, speeding and reduced traffic enforcement as likely contributors.
If You Were There
In a statement to 12News, Mesa police urged anyone who was in the area at the time to hold onto any dashcam or cellphone video and share it with detectives. Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the intersection and follow traffic advisories while they work to reopen the corridor.
Lingering delays are expected around Val Vista and University as the investigation moves forward.
