Leslie Allen Merritt Jr., 21, was arrested at a Walmart in Glendale about 7 p.m., said Daniel Scarpinato, a spokesman for Gov. Doug Ducey.
ABC15 was first to break the news to Leslie Merritt Sr., the suspect's father.
Merritt Jr.doesn’t live with his father anymore and had yet to booked, let alone make a jailhouse phone call when his father was given the news.
Without knowing why his son had been arrested, Merritt Sr. yelled in shock.
After taking a moment to compose himself he told ABC15 that his son is innocent.
"They're a bunch of morons” Merritt said. "I’ve got plenty to say on his behalf, whoever thinks he did this is f***ing moron! Have a good night."
Merritt Sr. has a lengthy felony rap-sheet himself including a weapons violation.
SPECIAL SECTION: Latest on the investigation into the freeway shootings
