Tucson, AZ — Tucson police officers on foot patrol swiftly ended a threat early Saturday morning, apprehending a 21-year-old suspect just seconds after he allegedly opened fire on a group of bystanders during a street argument in downtown Tucson, wounding nine people.
The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on July 19 on East Congress Street. According to authorities, David Leroy French allegedly fired multiple shots into the crowd amid the dispute, striking victims primarily in the extremities. All nine victims survived, and most have since been released from the hospital after receiving treatment.
Officers patrolling the busy downtown area immediately responded to the gunfire. Security video captured the incident, showing officers chasing French as he fled the scene with a handgun in his hand. One officer fired to neutralize the threat, allowing officers to take the suspect into custody without further incident.
Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto commended the rapid response, noting that approximately 20 officers were patrolling downtown at the time. “Their quick actions prevented what could have been a much more tragic outcome,” she said.
Local business owners also expressed gratitude. The owners of Empire Pizza thanked officers for arriving in under a minute to assist the victims and secure the area.
French was already on probation for a prior 2024 incident in which he allegedly fired an AR-15 rifle at a car wash worker. He now faces 19 felony charges, including multiple counts of aggravated assault. A petition has been filed to revoke his probation.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the argument that led to the shooting. No officers or additional bystanders were injured during the confrontation with the suspect.
This incident has drawn renewed attention to public safety in downtown Tucson, an area popular for nightlife and entertainment.
