Suspect killed in police shootout tied to racially motivated assaults in Tempe
Jason Fox yelled racial slurs twice, shot one man in the face before police shooting, Tempe PD says
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — The Tempe Police Department says a man killed in a shootout with officers in recent weeks is connected to two criminal cases at a popular hangout spot.
Authorities say Jason Alexander Fox, 27, appeared to have targeted Black people in two assaults at Tempe Beach Park, just blocks away from Arizona State University and Historic Mill Avenue.
Investigators believe Fox confronted a couple near the Mill Avenue Bridge just before midnight on Sept. 30 while shouting racial slurs at them. Fox reportedly then pulled out a gun before taking off.
“Fox was in a vehicle and he began yelling at the couple who were on scooters before brandishing the handgun,” Tempe Police Ofc. Jessica Ells said.
Less than 20 minutes later, Fox reportedly made racial slurs again when he approached a group of people at the park before shooting a homeless man in the face and running into a nearby apartment complex.
Tempe police say detectives were able to link Fox as a suspect, and a criminal apprehension team tried to take him into custody.
However, during the attempted arrest near College Avenue and Curry Road, Fox reportedly shot a Tempe police detective. The injured detective, alongside other detectives, fired back, and Fox died at the scene, police said.
Officials later confirmed the detective involved was later released from the hospital after being struck in the arm by a bullet. The detective is expected to return to work this week.
The department is still investigating as they work to learn the motive for the attacks.
Anyone who may have seen, encountered or knew Fox is asked to call 480-350-8311 with tips. Callers can remain anonymous.
The Mesa Police Department is also investigating this police shooting as part of the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team, which investigates use-of-force cases.
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