Police: 3 wounded when man walks into bar, opens fire

By Jackie Valley

Published Thursday, April 12, 2012 | 2:17 p.m.

Updated Thursday, April 12, 2012 | 4:37 p.m.

A shooting spree that started at a southwest valley bar injured three people — one critically — before officers apprehended the gunman, Metro Police said.

Metro spokeswoman Laura Meltzer said the incident began about 1:24 p.m. at Bomas Bar & Grill, 8020 S. Durango Drive, when the suspect entered the business and opened fire.

As the people inside ran out of the building toward another business, the gunman followed them and continued shooting, injuring three victims, Meltzer said.

Arriving officers took the armed suspect into custody near the second business, which sits behind Bomas Bar & Grill in a plaza, Meltzer said. Police have not identified the business where the victims sought shelter.

Two victims were transported to University Medical Center’s trauma unit — one in critical condition and another with injuries not considered life-threatening, Meltzer said. The third victim was in stable condition and stayed on scene, she said.

Police have not determined a motive for the shooting or whether the gunman knew the victims inside the first business, Meltzer said.

Police were not sure how many employees and patrons were inside Bomas Bar & Grill when the shooting began, Meltzer said.

Police initially described the gunman as a white male, but his identity has not been released. Charges are pending against him, Meltzer said.

Police shut down the northbound lanes of Durango Drive near Bomas Bar & Grill as officers secured the crime scene and began investigating.