TUCSON, Arizona — A downtown Tucson shooting that left nine people injured has resulted in felony charges against 21-year-old David Leroy French, as investigators continue working to determine what led to the violent outbreak of gunfire early Sunday morning.
According to court documents, French faces nine counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, nine counts of aggravated assault causing serious physical injury, and one count of discharging a firearm at a structure. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
The Tucson Police Department said officers responded at approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, after receiving multiple reports of gunfire near Congress Street and Sixth Avenue, an area known for its busy downtown nightlife.
Preliminary information indicates the incident began after a verbal confrontation escalated into gunfire, sending people in the area fleeing as officers arrived to find multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police said officers identified a man believed to be the shooter attempting to flee the scene. Authorities allege that officers repeatedly ordered French to stop, but he continued running.
During the encounter, a uniformed Tucson police officer fired their weapon, striking French. Officers immediately provided emergency medical assistance before he was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Nine victims were reportedly struck by gunfire and transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet released their identities or provided detailed information about the severity of their injuries.
Investigators are still working to determine whether the victims were specifically targeted or whether some were innocent bystanders caught in the chaos.
Court records indicate detectives have reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Investigators allege that video evidence shows French firing multiple rounds toward a crowd gathered in the downtown entertainment district and also shooting toward a nearby business.
The surveillance footage is expected to be an important part of the ongoing criminal investigation as prosecutors move forward with the case.
Because of the number of victims and the seriousness of the allegations, prosecutors requested a high bond. French remains hospitalized and is expected to be transferred to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex once he is medically cleared.
The Tucson Police Department continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what triggered the initial confrontation and whether anyone else may have been involved.
Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and processing evidence collected from the scene. Authorities have indicated that further charges could be filed as more information becomes available.
The incident has left the Tucson community shaken, particularly those who witnessed the violence or were in the downtown area when the gunfire erupted.
The nine people injured in the shooting and their families now face a difficult road to recovery, while investigators continue working to establish the full chain of events that led to the violence. The case remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek answers for the victims and accountability for those responsible.
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