Tucson man drove up to Phoenix, tried to shoot his boss, police say

PHOENIX - A man is behind bars, accused of trying to shoot and kill his boss on Nov. 1 at a trucking company near downtown Phoenix. Thankfully, a quick-thinking co-worker saved the day, and possibly -- several lives.

Authorities say Zane Hammond drove north to Phoenix from Tucson. At the business, he walked through the doors with a shotgun, looking to kill his boss -- and almost did.

Police say security video shows Hammond walking into his boss' office, firing once, but missing when the man ducked behind his desk. Hammond then turned the gun on a second worker, who wrestled the gun away.

In court, Hammond was present, and a prosecutor laid out the case.

"He fired point-blank at victim one, and then turned the gun on the victim, to who was able to wrestle him onto the ground."

Prosecutors say Hammond quit his two-year job as a driver Wednesday morning, got drunk, and drove to Phoenix. They say he was angry, believing he had been poorly treated by management and customers and went looking for revenge.

"If you're a witness, make sure that you're a great witness. Get those details to be able to provide them to law enforcement as quickly as possible," said Sgt. Brian Bowers of the Phoenix Police Department. "The state is very concerned that he is a significant safety risk, not only to these victims, but the public at large."

Documents show the 32-year-old had been repeatedly reprimanded at work for his personal hygiene and poor driving.

In front of a judge, Hammond had little to say.

"Do you understand everything I've told you, sir?" asked the judge.

Hammond replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Hammon was booked into jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond. He's accused of several felonies, including attempted first-degree murder.

Amazingly, no one was hurt. And no one at United Freight was willing to comment.