Arizona man charged with 1st-degree murder after shooting spree

An Arizona man has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in connection with eight shootings that occurred around the Phoenix area Thursday.

The Peoria Police Department said in a press release that officers had arrested 19-year-old Ashin Tricarico as the suspected gunman in the shootings, which killed a 56-year-old man who was found shot in his car. 

Police said that several others were injured in the shooting spree, with victims ranging in age from 19 to 56. Authorities said that a 3-year-old child was in one of the vehicles that was shot at, but was not struck by any of the bullets.

Peoria Police said Friday that in addition to the first-degree murder charge, Tricarico also faces multiple counts of aggravated assault and drive-by shooting, as well as an endangerment charge. 

Police said that the man from Surprise, Ariz., was booked into Maricopa County Jail on Friday morning, with an initial court appearance scheduled for June 24, according to jail records. 

The department said in its statement that detectives were still “sorting through evidence to determine exactly what occurred,” adding that a motive is “still unknown.” 

State and federal investigators are also assisting in the case, police said. 

It was not immediately clear if Tricarico has an attorney representing him in the case. 

The department said it did not plan on releasing any additional updates on the investigation until Monday, adding that authorities’ “thoughts are with all the victim’s, their families and the communities involved.” 

“We appreciate your patience and support while we investigate this complex case,” Peoria Police wrote. 

Authorities had said Thursday that they apprehended a suspect after a fire department recognized a vehicle matching the description given by police from the shootings.

Police said they were able to pull over the vehicle and apprehend the suspect, who was driving the car.