PHX PD: Juvenile accused of firing gun near private police academy
by Joe EneaPHOENIX — A teen has been arrested, accused of firing shots outside a private police and fire academy in Phoenix.
Phoenix police report that on December 5, they arrested a 17-year-old male after a short foot pursuit near his home at 16th and Washington streets.
The suspect is accused of firing several shots outside the Franklin Police and Fire Academy at 16th Avenue and McDowell Road on November 26. On that day, police say, a majority of the 300 students were leaving the campus when the shots were fired. Many fled back to the school while others sought shelter in nearby homes.
A witness reportedly told police that a dark-colored Volkswagen sped by the school, and he yelled at the driver to slow down. The car then came back and argued with the witness, pointed a gun at him and fired several shots in the air before speeding away. Another witness got a photo of the license plate.
Court records show that police were able to identify the suspect driving the car, and several witnesses reportedly told police he was the shooter.
Police located and arrested the suspect several days later.
He has been charged in juvenile court on various charges, including aggravated assault and endangerment.