On August 29th fear etched along the spines of Phoenix drivers. I-10 was targeted by an unknown shooter, and soon several other shooting incidents occurred. On Friday, a 21-year-old landscaper was arrested and named as a suspect in four out of the 11 shootings. Appearing before a judge on Saturday morning, named suspect, Leslie Allen Merritt, Jr., claimed he was the wrong guy. He states he did own a gun but sold it to a pawn shop two months before the shootings.
The pawn shop, Mo-Money Pawn, took to their Facebook page to advise eager readers they assisted police in “apprehending their suspect.” The company explained officials appeared at the shop and demanded a review of purchased firearms.
Right now Merritt’s arrest is based on potential information, the case is far from over. Merritt is being held on a $1 million dollar bond, and faces significant charges including international acts of terrorism. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has remained tight-lipped in responding to questions on Merritt being the bona-fide shooter. The agency said the signs depicting a wanted symbol and a $50,000 capture reward will remain for now, alluding to possible doubt of Merritt’s arrest.
Bart Graves, a spokesman for DPS, told the media the bullets recovered in the initial four shootings match a gun Merritt sold to Mo-Money Pawn. The issue at hand is determining when that gun was sold to the pawn shop. The weapon was recovered by investigators at the pawn shop and reportedly tested for matching.
That still leaves questions regarding seven other shooting incidents, placing drivers back on high alert.
Merritt’s family is stunned by the arrest. His father, Leslie Sr., said the arrest of his son must be a “mistake,” or it could be “someone wanted the reward. This is just preposterous.” Merritt Sr. said his son works incredibly long hours as a landscaper to make ends meet for his family.
Teams were dispatched to Merritt’s apartment where a search was conducted. Witnesses reported dozens of officers were on the scene. DPS refuses to acknowledge if anything was discovered in the home linking Merritt to the shootings.
Merritt was arrested at a local Walmart Friday evening. Witnesses report he went without a fight, and appeared “confused.”
If anyone has information regarding the shootings, it is imperative to reach out to the DPS: 602.223.2000