GLENDALE, AZ — Glendale police say multiple juveniles, including an 8-year-old girl, were injured during a July 4th shooting at the Westgate Entertainment District.
It happened just after 9 p.m. near the fountain area of Westgate.
According to police, five juveniles received some type of gunshot wound; however, they are all said to be non-life-threatening. Officials say most of the victims were taken to a hospital for treatment and have since been released.
WATCH update from Glendale Police Department officials
The shooting happened when a 15-year-old male suspect was visiting with his family and encountered a group of classmates.
Detectives say the two groups got into some sort of confrontation, which escalated, leading a 15-year-old male to pull out a gun and start shooting.
Five people were wounded, including an 8-year-old girl who was part of the two groups. The ages of the other victims have not been provided.
Police say one of the five victims was not involved with the groups and was grazed by a bullet.
Officers got to the scene within minutes of the shooting and placed the entertainment district under lockdown.
During a search of the venue, police located the 15-year-old male suspect who was said to be hiding within the property.
Through video surveillance evidence, police were able to positively identify the 15-year-old as a suspect and take him into custody. His name has not been released.
Authorities are still investigating how the teen suspect obtained the weapon.
Glendale PD says this was an isolated incident and there are no lingering threats to the public.
Anyone with additional information or video of the shooting is asked to contact the Glendale Police Department at (623) 930-3000 or call 480-WITNESS to remain anonymous.
The investigation remains ongoing.
WESTGATE STATEMENT
A representative for the Westgate Entertainment District provided the following statement regarding the shooting:
Westgate Entertainment District is aware of the incident that took place on Saturday, July 4.
The incident was not connected to any Westgate-hosted events or programming. The safety and well-being of our guests, tenants and employees remains our highest priority. Westgate has established security protocols in place and maintains an ongoing relationship with the Glendale Police Department, working closely together to support a safe environment for all who visit the property.
We continue to cooperate with Glendale Police as they investigate this matter. Any questions regarding the ongoing investigation should be directed to law enforcement.
WITNESS ACCOUNT
Daphne Leon Guerrero was at Yard House with her 1-year-old daughter and sister when the shooting happened. She says they had just received their appetizers when the situation changed.
"And we were eating outside all we hear is 'boom boom' probably like 3 times."
Guerrero recorded video while hiding in a booth inside Yard House. She says she saw a large crowd of people fleeing the area.
"And we just see a bunch of people like running."
Guerrero says she does not typically visit the area.
"I haven't been in Westgate in like 5 years. I don't usually go around that area specifically because of the shootings. I never thought I would be like experiencing one."
She says her instinct was to grab her daughter immediately.
"I quickly grabbed my daughter, but mind you, she was on the high chair. And as soon as I grabbed her I got stuck, and I, as soon as that happened, I saw the guy like limping."
Guerrero says two strangers in a nearby booth waved her family over, and they waited together for police to clear the scene.
"Thankfully, shout out to the two girls in the booth like. They definitely calmed down my nerves."
Guerrero says she will not return to Westgate at night.
"I'm not gonna put my life at risk for someone not wanting to be responsible with a gun like and my daughter yeah or even if I have my family with me like no absolutely not.”
