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INVESTIGATORS IN ARIZONA are pressing ahead with leads about a string of Phoenix freeway shootings as authorities announced that a man questioned in connection with them is not the prime suspect.
The shootings have left the city on edge for two weeks. Many Phoenix drivers have avoided freeways since the 11 confirmed shootings began 29 August, mostly along Interstate 10, a major route through the city.
A 19-year-old man from a Phoenix suburb who was detained on Friday is a person of interest, but Arizona police declined to say what led police to question him.
Eight of the cars were hit with bullets and three with projectiles that could have been pellets. One girl’s ear was cut by glass as a bullet shattered her window.
Police are still seeking tips, with freeway message boards across the city continuing to flash a tip-line number.
Motorists have also been calling because they believe they’ve been targeted.
Two incidents of cars that sustained shattered windows while on or near the highway were reported yesterday, but officials said one vehicle’s damage was caused by road debris and the other by a street sweeper.
The shooting scenarios have varied. Some involved bullets fired at random cars, others involved projectiles and one was apparently road rage, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Taking alternate routes
As the shootings intensify and get more attention, many drivers are taking alternate routes.
Ron Freeman, who works at a truck stop near Interstate 10, said he called his wife and family and told them to stay off the freeway until the situation calms down.
“It’s kind of spooky, man, when people can’t drive up and down the interstate unless they’re getting shot at,” Freeman said.
Authorities have appealed for help through social media, news conferences, TV interviews and freeway message boards. Many of the thousands of tips proved to be false leads.
Longtime residents still remember a string of random shootings that terrorized Phoenix a decade ago.
Nearly 30 people were shot then, and eight killed, including a cyclist who was riding down the street and a man who was sleeping at a bus stop. Two men were eventually caught and convicted.
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Can’t see this happen in any shape or form!
Why? Any logical reason, or just populist begrudgery?
Well, if it does, I hope he makes €380 million profit, and that he uses it (all) to pay off his debt to NAMA. Now that I don’t see happening.
Is there not enough empty apartments already
You must mean ARE there not enough? To which the answer is no, not enough of sufficient quality in the appropriate areas. Duplexes in Co Roscommon – well now that’s a different story which only the wrecking ball can truly answer.
I don’t know which is worse the planners(bad name) continuing to grant permission for developement or mcGuiness for President.
I do know – it’s the planners, they cost more than the terrorists and the drug dealers combined. The country is ruined as a result of bad planning decisions.
Dead on. These people are a law unto themselves and put the ass in jackass. No one takes them to task over their bullshit decisions. Wholly unqualified and completely incompetent.
I hope it dosnt happen – more brown envelopes. Will any planner ever be prosecuted for their part in granting permission for developments in Ireland.
One can only assume it is corruption when you see the evidence of developments built in flood zones etc. It is that or pressure from TD’s or Councilors either way one orbthe other should be in jail and should be ashamed to show their face in public.
I think corruption and collusion is common in our councils. We need whistle blowers to stand up.
have your say