A security guard was the apparent target of a drive-by shooting outside of an Arizona courthouse earlier this week.
As federal authorities subsequently confirmed, a 68-year-old suspect has been taken into custody on suspicion of firing the shots, according to Fox News.
“Wearing a full-brimmed hat”
The FBI statement confirmed James Lee Carr is expected to face federal charges for allegedly shooting the court officer.
Police responded to the scene at the Sandra Day O’Connor federal courthouse on Tuesday morning after receiving reports of shots fired out of a sedan driving by the location.
According to court documents, the victim “observed a Black male wearing a full-brimmed hat, driving a silver Cadillac sedan westbound on Washington Street on the north side of the courthouse.”
As the driver passed, he “opened fire with a handgun from the vehicle, firing approximately three rounds and striking” the guard at least once in his chest, according to reports.
Fortunately, the victim was reportedly wearing body armor and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. In response to the shooting, authorities say the guard was able to fire eight shots in the suspect’s direction.
“It was scary”
Police believe that Carr drove from the scene and met with relatives, at which time he confessed to the crime. Family members reportedly found him at a local park, wearing dress clothes and a fedora while carrying a revolver and a rifle.
Concerned relatives were able to disarm the suspect and convince him to surrender to police, according to records. He is expected to face federal counts including assaulting a federal officer using a dangerous or deadly weapon and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime.
The tension continued to mount during his arrest as Carr allegedly made comments about making bombs, which forced experts to check his vehicle for explosives.
“It was scary but things seem to be under control,” said one witness. “There were enough police that there was a peace of mind.”
While a possible motive is not yet known, Carr’s family said that he suffers from mental illness and was not likely influenced by politics. He reportedly told his son, however, that he “snapped” because the officer had been “harassing him.” A preliminary court appearance was set for Thursday, which will hopefully begin the process of determining exactly what led to the shooting.
The post Suspect in custody after guard injured in drive-by shooting outside Arizona courthouse first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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