Suspect in Custody After Fatal Shooting in Mesa Strip Mall: Investigation Ongoing

In a tragic incident at a strip mall in Mesa, Arizona, a man was shot and killed on Saturday evening. The Mesa Police Department responded to a call around 6 p.m. reporting a shooting at a business on Alma School Road, just north of Southern Avenue. The victim, a 32-year-old man, was found with life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

The authorities detained a suspect, identified as 21-year-old Jakob Urias, who was an employee at the business. According to reports, Urias was outside the store disposing of trash when he noticed the victim lying near the building. Two other employees approached the man and requested him to leave, as he appeared intoxicated and was having difficulty standing. They then went back inside to call 911.

Meanwhile, Urias claimed that he returned outside to throw away more trash. He informed investigators that he warned the man to leave as the police were on their way. However, the situation escalated when the man began walking aggressively towards Urias with his empty hands extended in front of him, resembling a "power walk." In response, Urias allegedly warned the man that he was armed. Despite the warning, the man persisted and retrieved a gun from his waistband, allegedly shooting the victim three times.

When questioned about his actions, Urias admitted that the shooting was a "split-second decision." Detectives inquired whether he would have acted differently had he not brought a gun to work, to which Urias responded that he would have chosen an alternative course of action.

Urias has been taken into custody and has been booked on second-degree murder charges. However, the Mesa Police Department emphasizes that the investigation is still ongoing to gather more information and determine the events leading up to the shooting.

This incident has left the Mesa community shocked and saddened. The loss of life is a tragic reminder of the need for responsible gun ownership and conflict resolution. Authorities will continue their efforts to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating event, providing answers and closure to the victim's family and the community at large.