Three men are believed to have opened gunfire on each other in a crowd of about 300 people in Tempe Friday night, leaving 14 people injured and two in critical condition, Tempe Police Lt. Mike Horn said at a press conference Saturday.
Witnesses told police an argument broke out involving two groups at the Nipsy Hussle concert at the Clubhouse Music Venue on Broadway Road and Dorsey Lane. The argument escalated into an gunfight among three men, Horn said.
Police believe the gunmen and the two groups involved in the argument are part of Phoenix gangs, Horn said.
Police arrested one of the men Friday night as an officer patrolling the area observed a vehicle leaving through an alley, Horn said. Witnesses told police the other two suspected gunmen fled on foot.
Thirteen of the victims were taken to nearby hospitals Friday night while the 14th victim came forward Saturday afternoon with a gunshot wound to his foot. The two people in serious condition are believed to pull through as the wounds are not life threatening.
After a homicide in 2007, police asked Clubhouse management to improve the venue's security during shows, Horn said. A police investigation will look into Clubhouse management again to see if this incident could have been avoided.
Horn said police have already contacted Hussle’s next tour stop, National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif., so the venue can be aware of potential gang violence.
Horn said anyone who has information regarding the two other men’s whereabouts to call Tempe Police at 480-350-8311.
Reach the reporter at sraymund@asu.edu
