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Police Seek Suspect After Paintball Attack Outside North Phoenix Mosque

Officers have stepped up patrols near the Islamic Center following the pre-dawn incident.

Overview

  • Phoenix police say a man fired a paintball or pellet gun outside the Islamic Center of North Phoenix around 2:30 a.m. Saturday near 19th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.
  • Witnesses initially believed the device was a firearm after seeing a man point what looked like a gun and hearing several popping sounds.
  • The assailant struck multiple parked vehicles before fleeing, and police report no injuries.
  • Detectives are seeking tips through Silent Witness as the suspect remains at large, and no vehicle or suspect description has been released.
  • City leaders, including Mayor Kate Gallego and Councilwoman Betty Guardado, condemned the incident, and mosque leaders said youth and children were outside finishing Ramadan prayers when shots were fired.