Glendale honors fire captain, police officer for heroism during Westgate shooting
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Two heroes who saved lives in the shooting at the Westgate Entertainment District on May 20 were recognized for their heroic efforts on Thursday.
Three people were injured as a result of the shooting, and the suspect identified as 20-year-old Armando Hernandez Jr., admitted to carrying out the shooting and said he intended to injure 10 people, telling police he had been bullied and wanted to gain respect.
Authorities said they believe Hernandez intended to use the 90 rounds of ammunition that he brought to the attack, but he was thwarted when his weapon jammed
According to court documents provided by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Hernandez Jr. has been indicted by a grand jury on 39 offenses, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, endangerment, criminal, and offenses related to the discharge of a firearm.
Related: Glendale Police Department releases 911 calls from Westgate shooting
Heroes honored by City of Glendale
On Thursday, officials with the City of Glendale held a news conference to award police officer Destiny Ebersohl and Avondale Fire captain Christopher Spire, who was off-duty that day, the Life Safety Award.
Of those in attendance were the mothers of two of the victims, who wanted to be here to show their appreciation. The mothers' children were identified as 19-year-old Alfredo Jaime, and 16-year-old Destiny Bain.
Ebersohl recalls running over to Jaime, who was shot in the chest and back.
“I was like, 'stay with me,' and his eyes were rolling back, and I remember I was just -- everything. Was going through the emotion at this time. You’re talking about the active shooter and I’m telling everybody to get back because I don’t know where the shooter is at," said Officer Ebersohl.
Bain is Jaime's best friend, and she was shot in the leg. Fire Captain Spire was with his family at a restaurant when he heard the gunfire, and his senses kicked in.
"I immediately got all the patrons in the building, push them to the back of the building, made sure that my family was safe, and then went back to front of the door," said Fire Captain Spire.
"You guys are their angels that protected them that day," said Jaime's mother, Maggie Jaime. "God sent you guys to do what you guys do best."
“I look at Destiny everyday, and I sit with her while she screams and yells in her sleep. How can I feel anything else when my baby is crying?" said Bain's mother, Kathleen Bain.
Jaime and Bain also sent their messages of thanks to Officer Ebersohl and Fire Captain Spire.
The Associated Press (AP) Contributed to this report.