An early-morning shooting at a central Phoenix Motel 6 turned the usually quiet stretch near Thomas Road and Interstate 17 into a crime scene Thursday, leaving one man clinging to life and two people in handcuffs.
Phoenix police said officers rushed to the motel around 2:15 a.m. after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found at least one man who had been shot. First responders rushed him to a trauma center with what authorities described as a life-threatening gunshot wound. Detectives have since taken over the case.
Officers quickly set up a perimeter around the property and held their positions while they organized a tactical response, according to 12News. The motel grounds were effectively locked down as guests woke up to a heavy police presence instead of the usual highway noise.
Special Assignments Unit Breaches Room
Phoenix's Special Assignments Unit, the department’s tactical team, moved in on a specific room at the motel after the perimeter was in place. Using drones and a flashbang device to gain the upper hand, officers forced their way inside and detained two people, according to Arizona's Family.
One person was taken into custody outside the room and another was detained inside, the outlet reported. Officers methodically cleared and contained the room before making the arrests, wrapping up a tense tactical operation that had played out in the middle of the night.
Investigation Underway
Detectives have assumed the investigation, and police said they have not yet determined what charges, if any, the two detainees might face, according to 12News. Authorities have not released the name of the wounded man or identified anyone else involved, and they have not said whether there is any prior relationship between the people connected to the shooting.
The Motel 6 property has since been reopened to traffic and guests, though the investigation is far from over. Anyone with information or video related to the shooting is urged to contact Phoenix Police. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
