Tempe, Arizona — One man was hospitalized after a gun discharged during a fight involving several men at an In-N-Out restaurant early Sunday morning, sending police to the scene and prompting an investigation into the person who had the firearm.
The incident happened shortly after midnight on Sept. 20 at the restaurant near South Calle Los Cerros Drive and West Baseline Road, according to the Tempe Police Department.
Authorities said the confrontation began as a fight between several men before the situation escalated when one of them produced a gun.
Fight Escalated Into Struggle Over Gun
According to police, the men became involved in a struggle over the firearm after the gun was produced. During that struggle, the weapon discharged.
Police said one man was struck by bullet fragments during the incident. He was taken to a hospital for treatment as authorities worked to determine exactly how the shooting unfolded.
The injury was not reported as life-threatening, and the man was released from the hospital a few hours later, according to the Tempe Police Department.
Investigators have not indicated that the victim was the person who initially displayed the firearm.
Gunman Left Before Police Could Identify Him
The man who had the gun left the scene after the firearm discharged, police said. Authorities are now working to identify and locate him as the investigation continues.
At this point, police have not released additional identifying information about the suspect. It also remains unclear what initially caused the confrontation between the men or what led the argument to escalate into a physical fight.
The circumstances surrounding the firearm and the people involved remain under investigation.
No Arrest Announced
The Tempe Police Department has not announced any arrests in connection with the incident. Authorities also have not released information indicating that additional people were injured during the confrontation.
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Investigators are expected to review available evidence and speak with witnesses as they work to establish a complete timeline of the events inside or around the restaurant.
Because the shooting occurred during a struggle over the weapon, police will also need to determine exactly how the firearm discharged and who was responsible for bringing it to the scene.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The incident adds another layer of concern to what began as a fight between several people during the early morning hours. Police have not publicly identified the injured man, and officials have not provided additional details about the group involved.
For now, the suspect who left the scene remains unidentified, while investigators continue working to determine what led to the confrontation and firearm discharge.
Anyone with information that could help investigators identify the person involved is encouraged to contact the Tempe Police Department.
As the investigation continues, authorities may release additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fight, the firearm and the man’s injury.
What do you think about this late-night incident in Tempe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what questions you think investigators should answer as the case develops.
