A group of homeless individuals was shot Wednesday night at Tempe’s Mitchell Park, with one man sustaining a bullet graze but avoiding hospitalization. Authorities quickly identified the suspect, Aaron Sussex, who was arrested on Feb. 13.
Tempe Police confirmed the attack was not random but targeted against homeless people, stemming from a dispute between Sussex, 37, and one of the victims. Sussex has an extensive criminal record and was on probation for a prior violent offense at the time of the shooting.
“He essentially shot into the crowd ten times reportedly, striking three individuals. One of which, possibly life-threatening injuries. As of now, there’s been no brain activity regarding that victim. The other two were shot with non-life-threatening injuries, but again, your honor, highly reckless given he’s shooting into a crowd and striking three people. This apparently was over a dispute with one of those three victims,” the prosecution said during the court appearance.
Local residents described the shock of gunfire disrupting their normally peaceful neighborhood. “We heard the gunshots, and we heard Ocean [a dog] barking like crazy,” said Tempe resident Tommie Johnson. “When we stepped back out, we saw all the police cars.”
In response to the violence, security cameras have been installed in the area, providing reassurance to families who frequent the park. “Now we feel safer bringing our kids here,” Johnson added.
Sussex remains in isolation due to continued combative behavior, with a judge acknowledging he poses a safety risk to himself and others. He is currently being held on a $500,000 cash bond. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
“I received information from the sheriff’s office that he is still combative, and he’s been isolated as a potential safety risk to himself or others,” the judge said.
