Intoxicated man fired shots into Peoria sports bar, police say
Man killed in shootout at Peoria sports bar
Police say an intoxicated man who was refused service at the bar near 95th and Peoria Avenues grabbed a gun and fired shots into the business. The suspect was killed during a shootout with armed men who were in the parking lot.
PEORIA, Ariz. - Police say an intoxicated man who was refused service at a Peoria sports bar late Tuesday night grabbed a gun and fired shots into the business before being killed in a parking lot shootout with armed men.
What we know:
The shooting happened at around 11:30 p.m. on May 20 at Deli Sports Bar near 95th and Peoria Avenues.
Peoria Police say the man, Mario Franco, 46, of El Mirage, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second adult inside the bar was injured.
"At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community," police said.
Dig deeper:
Investigators say the intoxicated man, Franco, was refused service inside the bar. He was then escorted outside. That's when police say he grabbed a gun from his vehicle and fired shots into the air before firing shots into the bar.
"One individual was struck by gunfire inside the business," said Peoria Police Officer Kristopher Babros.
That person was hospitalized but has since been released.
Shootout between suspect, men
A man who allegedly fired shots into a Peoria sports bar on May 20 was killed in a shootout in the parking lot by armed men.
Police say the men who were sitting on a bench outside the business "took action" when the suspect began firing into the bar.
"They ended up having a gunfire exchange in the parking lot where the suspect was pronounced deceased," Babros said.
Police say the men stayed at the scene and are cooperating with investigators.
"Thankfully, these two individuals were sitting on a park bench out front with an armed subject that was in the parking lot that could have done a lot more damage than what he did," Babros said. "We're grateful that they stood up and took action and did what was right."
Babros said 10–15 patrons were inside the bar at the time of the shooting.
What's next:
Police say they will review surveillance video, comb over evidence at the scene and speak to witnesses before submitting the case to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review.