What started as a weekend house party in Phoenix ended with rapid bursts of gunfire on the street, rattling neighbors and leaving a 20-year-old in custody. Police detained Jalen Hardy after officers said they saw people in two vehicles trading shots near 56th Street and Thomas Road. No one at the party was hurt, but another vehicle took off and detectives are still looking for additional suspects.
Officers say two vehicles exchanged fire
Phoenix police told reporters they watched people in two cars shooting at each other and then stopped one of the vehicles, where Hardy was arrested. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the other car sped away, and detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward. Investigators said surveillance cameras from nearby homes captured rapid bursts of gunfire and confirmed that no one attending the gathering was struck.
Neighbors describe chaos and repeated complaints
A neighbor who identified herself as "Wendy" told FOX 10 Phoenix she woke up to a Ring alert and watched footage of what she estimated were "at least 20 shots," saying it felt like watching a movie. Wendy and other neighbors said the property, which they described as having several rental units, has been a headache for a long time, with constant traffic and people coming and going at all hours. The home's manager declined to comment when approached by reporters, according to the neighbor.
Short-term rental rules and neighborhood tension
Neighbors told reporters the house contains five individual rental units and that they have repeatedly complained to the city and the property manager. The City of Phoenix moved to a permitting system for short-term rentals that took effect in November 2023, adding local requirements for operators. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that the city confirmed this particular property holds a short-term rental permit.
Police have not publicly announced criminal charges tied to the exchange of gunfire, and an arrest does not necessarily mean charges will follow. Investigators are still asking for tips and video from the neighborhood as they work to identify the people in the second vehicle.
