ARIZONA — Police released bodycam video following a shooting spree and house fire that left at least two people dead and others injured in Tucson on Sunday.
Police have identified the suspect accused of opening fire on EMTs, firefighters, police and neighbors as 35-year-old Leslie Scarlett.
Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus says it all started at around 3:45pm Sunday. Two things happened right around the same time.
Firefighters were dispatched to a house on fire, and an ambulance was dispatched to a nearby park for an unrelated medical call.
CRIME SCENE #1
When the ambulance got to Silverlake Park, police say Scarlett drove up in a silver SUV, got out, and approached the ambulance.
Police say Scarlett fired multiple shots into the driver’s side of the ambulance, striking both paramedics inside.
A 20-year-old EMT was shot in the head and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Another EMT was shot in the arm and chest and is in stable condition. Police say that EMT was able to call for help and provide a description of the suspect and SUV.
CRIME SCENE #2
Shortly after the first shooting, Scarlett fled the park and arrived at the scene of the burning home. Scarlett reportedly began firing his weapon at TFD personnel and nearby neighbors.
A Tucson Fire captain was struck in the arm and a bystander who lives in the neighborhood was grazed by a bullet and sustained minor injuries.
Another neighbor, identified as 44-year-old Cory Saunders, was shot in the head and died at the scene while trying to help first responders.
Scarlett then drove away from the scene once again.
CRIME SCENE #3
Moments later, Officer Danny Leone, an eight-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, spotted Scarlett driving near the intersection of East 36th Street and South Campbell Avenue.
Police say Scarlett rammed into the officer’s cruiser. Both vehicles came to a stop and the suspect immediately exited his vehicle and began firing at Officer Leone.
Officer Leone returned fire, striking Scarlett and injuring him.
Additional officers arrived at the scene and began rendering aid to Scarlett, who was ultimately transported to Banner University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Additionally, when investigators were able to get into the home that was on fire they found a dead person inside. Police said the body was too badly burned to determine the identity or gender of the victim.
It’s currently believed the body in the burned home may be that of a mother who is unaccounted for but presumed dead at this time.