Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed Thursday an 11th shooting incident along Interstate 10.
11TH SHOOTING INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION
State troopers were called to 83rd Avenue and Roosevelt around 9 a.m. after a commercial truck driver noticed a hole in the side of his truck during a pre-inspection. DPS confirmed that it was caused by a bullet.
So far 11 shootings confirmed. Most current information here: http://t.co/rDrVx4ywjY #AZfreewayshootings
— Ariz. State Troopers (@Arizona_DPS) September 10, 2015
Detectives inspected the hole, measured it and took pictures. The driver was not in the vehicle when it was hit. He was taking over the truck from another driver and was completing his pre-inspection report. Detectives are now working to figure out where the truck was driving to try and pin where it may have been hit.
Spokesman Raul Garcia confirmed to ABC15 this is the 11th shooting incident under investigation. The other incidents where DPS has been called have not been officially linked to the investigation.
Trying to settle fears, Garcia said authorities routinely respond to road debris incidents everyday, but are investigating which incidents are related to the freeway shootings and which ones are not.
Spokesman Tim Case said DPS has received "thousands" of public tips via email, phone calls and social media. He told the public to "remain vigilant" and to contact authorities if they see something suspicious.
PHX #FreewayShootings today: -2 at I-10/83rd Ave -I-10/67th Ave -SR 51/Shea -I-10/Elliot All under investigation pic.twitter.com/PwHhNekrVe
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) September 10, 2015
INTERSTATE 10 AND 67TH AVENUE (67 AVE/LATHUM)
At 11:15 a.m. troopers were called to a truck stop near 67th Avenue and Lathum, near the I-10 freeway, to investigate a semi-truck that reportedly had a hole in its passenger side door, close to the window.
DPS spokesman Tim Case said a "projectile" hit the passenger side door.
STATE ROUTE 51 AND SHEA
A fourth incident has also been reported near State Route 51 and Shea where a woman says she heard a loud noise and noticed her rear window was cracked. DPS has responded and is investigating that report.
INTERSTATE 10 AND ELLIOT ROAD
Air15 video showed DPS crews surrounding a Brinks armored truck near Interstate 10 and Elliot Road.
#BREAKING PHOTO: Armed truck with window damage near I-10/Elliot in #Ahwatukee. #FreewayShootings #abc15 pic.twitter.com/Zs8Mlj5zfQ
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) September 10, 2015
INTERSTATE 10 AND 83RD AVENUE
Troopers were called to a Starbucks near Interstate 17 and Thomas Road after a driver heard a "pop" and noticed his rear driver's side window had cracked.
The driver heard the noise while on his way to work at Interstate 10 and 83rd Avenue, but did not call police until he exited I-17.
The driver told ABC15's Katie Conner that he thought he may have been hit by a pellet gun, but DPS said the incident did not "meet the criteria" to be linked to the freeway investigations.
No injuries have been reported in any of Thursday's incidents.
Case warned the public to "stay vigilant" and if they see something to say something by calling authorities.
Anyone with information or tips is encouraged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or the DPS tip line at 602-644-5805. Silent Witness increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged shooter, or shooters, from $5,000 to $20,000.
