Amazon warehouse shooting in Chandler leaves suspect dead, 1 injured
CHANDLER, Ariz. - Police say a suspect is dead, and another person is injured following a double shooting at an Amazon facility in Chandler.
According to Chandler Police, the shooting happened at around 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 at an Amazon Flex Warehouse located near McQueen and Queen Creek Roads, when 29-year-old Jacob Murphy drove to the back employee parking lot, jumped out, and opened fire.
"As soon as I saw employees running, I just put my van and drive and got out of here as quickly as I could," said Bryton Bobbitt, an Amazon employee.
An Amazon contract worker was hit by gunfire. He was shot multiple times and was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said he is expected to survive.
"I just heard popping, four or five pops, then went into a co-worker's car and then took off, and then we parked for a minute, then we started hearing more shots," Amazon employee Nick said.
A second Amazon contract worker, who was armed and apparently saw what happened, pulled out a gun and fired at Murphy.
"He did come to the aid of an individual who was shot by a suspect. So, in that case, I would say he is a good Samaritan," Sgt. Jason McClimans said.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Murphy dead in the parking lot. Murphy is not an Amazon employee.
"Murphy was pronounced deceased due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound and gunfire from the third male," McClimans added.
Police said that while the three men did not know each other, Murphy had jealousy issues regarding his girlfriend, who worked at Amazon. She was not at work at the time.
Murphy allegedly went to the Amazon Flex Ware to confront an employee he only knew by name.
"The victim contacted Murphy in the parking lot, feeling something was strange, and attempted to get Murphy to exit the property," McClimans said. "This is when Murphy shot the victim numerous times. The third male, hearing and observing the shooting, used his gun and fired upon Murphy, protecting the victim."
Police said 10 shots were fired during the incident.
Once the investigation is complete, police say they will submit it to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review, which they say is standard practice in all shootings.
"We're deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence in our parking lot. We're working closely with law enforcement as they investigate and are focused on supporting our team during this difficult time," said Amazon spokesman Richard Rocha.
Operations at the complex were suspended after the shooting and all of its employees and partners were sent home with pay, Rocha added. The Amazon spokesman did not immediately release any further details about the circumstances of the shooting.
The Chandler complex operates as a pickup zone for contracted Amazon Flex drivers and others, who pick up packages to typically deliver for the same or next day to customers.
Chandler is a sprawling suburban community located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of downtown Phoenix.
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The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.
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