9 injured after shooting near central Phoenix

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Police say nine people are in the hospital after a shooting Saturday morning at a business near central Phoenix.

Sgt. Brian Bower with the Phoenix police says several victims were found shot when officers arrived near 19th Avenue just north of Indian School Road around 4 a.m. Police say the business was hosting a party when two people got into an argument that led to a shooting. Phoenix fire transported some of the victims to the hospital. However, police learned that some victims left the shooting and walked to hospitals before officers arrived.

Police say there is a total of nine victims, including a pregnant woman and five men between the ages of 19-23 years old. All of the victims have serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Sgt. Bower says it is not clear if the shooter is among those who are being treated at the hospital or left the scene.

For nearly 24 hours, investigators combed a strip mall, gathering evidence. The crime scene tape was removed around 5:30 p.m.

Xavier Hernandez works near the strip mall. He said customers were freaking out with the scene because they have never seen something like that happen in the neighborhood. “I just feel a little more scared for my family and my loved ones. I wouldn’t want any of this to happen to any of the people that I know really close,” said Hernandez. “I just hope their families are okay and everyone pulls through and comes out okay and just come out from this as stronger people.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at (480)-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish Speakers).

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