Phoenix police detectives are investigating a shooting during afternoon rush hour that left a man dead and a neighborhood without power.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, on February 5, 2024, around 2:10 p.m., Phoenix police officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of 23rd Street and Fillmore Street. While enroute, officers learned from additional calls a vehicle crashed into an electrical pole and power lines were down. When they arrived, officers found the vehicle into the pole and were unable to reach the driver due to the live power lines around the collision. The fire department and APS arrived to deactivate the electrical lines. Firefighters were able to reach the driver, later identified as 44-year-old Erik Lagunas, but he died from his injuries on scene.
A man believed to be involved in the shooting was detained but was later released.
Officers located several casings in the area and no other injuries were reported. Power was shut down in the surrounding area for a few hours.
Detectives responded to assume the investigation. The Office of the Medical Examiner responded and took possession of the remains. They will determine specifics about the trauma suffered by Lagunas.
Anyone with information is asked to call Silent Witness at 480(WITNESS) or 480(TESTIGO) and provide an anonymous tip. Rewards will be paid for information leading to an arrest in this case.