A recent shooting at El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse, in a Phoenix suburb, killed three people including the restaurant’s owner. Five others sustained injuries in the horrific Sunday night crash. The incident unfolded around 7:45 PM when police received multiple calls reporting gunfire.
Officer Moroni Mendez of the Glendale Police Department said three of the victims died due to injuries received at the scene. The wounded include five patients who suffered gunshot wounds or shrapnel injuries.
Officials believe that more than one shooter was involved in the attack. So far, they’ve not arrested a single suspect. Investigators continue to interview several witnesses to piece together communication breakdowns that led to the tragic events that unfolded.
Witnesses described a frantic, terrifying scene as clubgoers ran for their lives from the yet unknown shooter’s near-constant reach of gunfire. Lupe Rodriguez, an innocent bystander who ended up witnessing the incredibly tragic ordeal, shared his story.
“There was a man on the ground, and it didn’t look like he made it.” – Lupe Rodriguez
Rodriguez said he initially ran on instinct when the gunman opened fire and fled to safety. His account provides a look at the terror and hysteria that took hold of the restaurant as customers scrambled to safety.
Officer Mendez noted that the establishment was packed when the shooting took place. This crowd would soon prove to be a significant factor in the fatal outcome.
“Obviously there was a lot of people here.” – Officer Moroni Mendez
Subject to change, the investigation is still actively being pursued as law enforcement continues to try and get all the details of this horrible incident together. The community remains heartbroken over such a sudden and tragic loss. They’re just trying to deal with the daily consequences of the violence that spilled out into their neighborhood.