Westgate Shooting Suspect: What We Know So Far

By Jessica Swarner

May 20, 2020

UPDATE: Police have identified the Westgate shooting suspect as a 20-year-old from Peoria.

Glendale police said Wednesday night that three people were shot at the Westgate Entertainment District.

Public Information Officer Tiffany Ngalula said one victim is in critical condition while the two other victims had non life-threatening injuries.

In regards to last nights #ActiveShooter #Westgate area we have a total of 3 reported gunshot victims. 1 is in critical condition, 1 was transported with non life threatening injury, & 3rd was non life threatening injury and was not taken to a hospital. Only shooter in custody.
— Glendale Police (@GlendaleAZPD) May 21, 2020

Police originally reported there had been at least two victims.

Armando Hernandez Jr., 20, was taken into custody without incident. Police said they are not looking for additional suspects.

The suspect’s mother told 12 News that Hernandez attended Raymond Kellis High School in Glendale.

According to the TV station, police raided Hernandez’s Peoria home Wednesday night and removed at least six bags of evidence.

State Sen. Martin Quezada said he witnessed the shooting.

I saw 2 victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details 'til I speak to police. I'm ok. Lots of shaken up people.
— Sen. Martín Quezada (@SenQuezada29) May 21, 2020

Police have not confirmed what type of weapon was used.

Gov. Doug Ducey said the Arizona Department of Public Safety has been in contact with police and was monitoring the situation.

We are monitoring this closely. @Arizona_DPS has been in contact with @GlendaleAZPD throughout the situation and the state stands ready to support. https://t.co/Vf6lwS8T4o
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) May 21, 2020

ABC 15 reporter Nicole Grigg shared video from the scene.

This is the scene at Westgate near the AMC.

Family members of those who work in the stores are waiting in this parking lot. pic.twitter.com/EKuoO6mtTa
— Nicole Grigg (@NicoleSGrigg) May 21, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated with new details regarding the shooter and more details from police officials.

Author

Jessica Swarner

Jessica Swarner is The Copper Courier’s newsletter editor. She is an Arizona State University alumna and previously worked at KTAR News 92.3 FM in Phoenix.

Have a story tip? Reach Jessica at [email protected]. For local reporting in Arizona that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for The Copper Courier's daily newsletter. For Phoenix housing news, renter-friendly design inspo, and real talk about renting, sign up for Rent Check PHX.

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