Police identify suspects in deadly rampage in Tucson | Arizona News

TUCSON, AZ (3TV / CBS 5) – Tucson Police have identified the suspect, who is alleged to have opened fire on rescue workers, firefighters, police officers and neighbors before he was eventually shot and wounded by an officer. Authorities said 35-year-old Leslie Scarlett is in extremely critical condition at a local hospital.



Leslie Scarlett, 35, in a 2016 mug shot.



According to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Scarlett has a criminal history that includes a 2007 conviction of attempted armed robbery. He was sentenced to six years in prison and released in August 2013.



Gunfight with officials in Tucson



Witnesses describe the incident on Sunday as terrifying. “A guy pulls up, stands in the middle of the street and starts shooting everyone … everyone he sees,” said witness Jessie Acuna.

Police released further details Monday on Tucson’s police chief’s situation as “extremely complicated” and also released a video of a police body-worn camera.

The incident affected 3 crime scenes, one man died and 5 others were injured, including Scarlett. In the house fire that was connected to the shooting scenes, one person was also found dead.

“Shocked because you don’t expect something like this to happen on your doorstep,” said Acuna. “You go to a fire and try to be helpful and suddenly someone shows up and starts shooting. Can’t really get used to that. It’s pointless. “

1 dead and several others, including several first responders, were injured in a fatal rampage in Tucson on Sunday. Leslie Scarlett, 35, is in critical condition, according to Tucson Police.



Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus said it all started at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday. Two things happened at about the same time. Firefighters were dispatched to fight a fire in a house and an ambulance was sent to a nearby park for a medical call.

Crime scene # 1 – the park

When the ambulance reached Silverlake Park near Quincie Douglas Community Center, police said Scarlett pulled up in a silver SUV, got out, and approached the ambulance. Police said Scarlett pointed in the direction of the fire, and when rescue workers looked in the direction of the fire, Scarlett fired multiple shots through the driver’s side window. The paramedic in the driver’s seat was shot in the head. The paramedic in the passenger seat was shot in the arm and chest but was able to call for help. Both were later taken to the hospital

“We can confirm that two American Medical Response (AMR) nurses were shot dead while posting an 911 call in Tucson, Arizona yesterday. One of our paramedics is in very critical condition in the intensive care unit. threatened but serious injuries and is also in the hospital, “said a message from a spokesman for AMR.

Crime scene # 2 – house fire

Meanwhile, a fire was burning in a nearby house. When the fire department arrived and started fighting the flames, a few local neighbors gathered and tried to help with the effort. Then the police saw the same suspect from the shooting in the park. According to the police, he opened fire. “He just stood there in the middle of the street, casually reloading and shooting everyone and everything,” said Acuna.

A neighbor was shot in the head and killed while trying to help. He was identified as 44-year-old Cory Saunders. The boss says Saunders’ 11-year-old son witnessed the attack. Another neighbor was hit by a bullet. And a firefighter was hit in the arm by a bullet. Scarlett then drove away from the crime scene.

Crime Scene # 3 – The Crossroads

Moments later, the officer spotted the suspect driving near an intersection. According to the police, the suspect should have rammed the car of the officer. The officer wanted to get out and the police said he had opened fire on the officer. Chief Magnus says Officer Danny Leon, an 8-year veteran with the force, shot back and injured the suspect.

“The shooter is down,” you hear on a police radio call. The body-worn camera shown on Monday shows a video of an officer who was rammed by Scarlett and then exchanged fire with him.

Here is the body cam video showing Tucson cop Danny Leon getting rammed and shooting the suspect. pic.twitter.com/AYwLXwk28g

– Mary Coleman KOLD (@Mary_reports) July 19, 2021

“It’s very tragic, really horrific with a lot of unknowns,” says Chief Magnus.

When investigators broke into the burning house, they found a dead person inside. According to the police, the body was too badly burned to be able to determine the identity of the victim. Chief Magnus said there were also 3 children connected to the home at the time who were missing. But it was confirmed Monday morning by a Tucson police sergeant that all of the children were safely found. Magnus said the mother of the three children was missing and believed to be dead. “This is a really terrible incident and our hearts are obviously with those who are concerned for loved ones with more severe injuries. We just don’t know, ”said Magnus.

*** UPDATE *** All children were found alive. Details are still limited. More details will follow. https://t.co/AS2aSWt3i0

– Sergeant Richard Gradillas (@SgtGradillas) July 19, 2021

“This was a horrific and senseless act of violence,” tweeted Tucson’s Mayor Regina Romero on Sunday evening. When she spoke on Monday, she called Ofc. Danny Leon’s actions are heroic and have been instrumental in saving lives. “He showed incredible courage.” She also called for an end to this violence in Tucson, saying what happened is an example of what first responders risk every day.

“Police, fire brigade and rescue workers cannot take anything for granted in today’s environment,” Chief Magnus tweeted on Monday. “Situations can change quickly, and too many people are dangerously unpredictable and intent on causing serious damage. I appreciate all of our first responders for taking the risks associated with their work. “

Tucson Fire Dept Chief Chuck Ryan called it “a dark day for Tucson”.

The police gave the following information about those involved:

  • Tucson Fire Captain – minor injuries
  • 20 year old EMT shot – extremely critical
  • 21 year old EMT stable
  • 44-year-old neighbor (Corey Saunders) has passed away
  • Neighbor – grazed by bullets – good condition
  • Burnt offering in the house – deceased
  • 35-year-old suspect (Leslie Scarlett) – extremely critical

Chief Magnus said this incident should be a call to action and first responders should not put up with being shot at. “If this incident isn’t a call to action, I don’t know what it is.”

“The real question we should be asking ourselves is how can we coordinate the work of our criminal justice and mental health systems to prevent these horrific attacks?” Chief Magnus continued. “Who are these ticking time bombs, and instead of silos, can we do something together to predict their level of risk? How did someone like the suspect in this case, a banned owner, even get a gun? many unanswered questions at the moment that need to be followed up in the coming days. “

A candlelight vigil in honor of the victims is planned for Wednesday evening.

Join us for a candlelight vigil in response to the shootings that left two dead and several others injured. Vigil will take place on Wed July 21, 7:00 p.m. in the MSA appendix. For more information, please visit: https://t.co/onxDU8OwAL@Tucson_Police @TucsonFireDept #Tucson #community #vigil #support #HopeAndHealing pic.twitter.com/ldVItzV4QS

– Murder Survivors, Inc. (@HSI_AZ) July 20, 2021

Our investigation into the shootings / fires on Sunday, in which 2 dead, 2 critical and 2 other injured were claimed, continues. Complex case with recordings of 3 scenes. The Tucson police officer who responded to the scene being rammed and shot at by a suspect managed to end the rampage with incredible skill and courage. pic.twitter.com/9J3dLFnftr

– Chris Magnus (@ChiefCMagnus) July 19, 2021

(1/3) I ask our entire Tucson ward to reflect and pray for the victims of the fire and shooting at Silverlake Park this afternoon, including the first responders from AMR and the Tucson Fire Department. It was a horrific and senseless act of violence.

– Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) July 19, 2021

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