Phoenix police officers investigating a large west Phoenix party early Sunday shot and critically wounded two men whose angry words escalated into lethal force, police said.
Revelers probably did not know that two undercover Phoenix officers were mingling with some of the 100-strong guests at the dance bash, which cost $2 for men and free for women.
Nor did they know that a sergeant and civilian aide from the Phoenix Police Targeted Enforcement Squad were in a car up the street from the party at 36th Avenue and McDowell Road conducting surveillance in support of the under covers.
But everyone heard the gun shots that shattered the festive atmosphere and sent young adults racing.
"It was like, 'boom, boom, boom,'' said Damian Martine, 19, a guest. "It was like every other party. Everybody ran away."
Shots were fired after a home owner, 20, and a 19-year-old guest started arguing in front of the house. Then, "they started shooting at each other," said Phoenix Police Sgt. Steve Martos.
That is when chaos erupted, people screamed and a great many tried to flee. Phoenix police managed to detain and question 75 revelers for six hours early Sunday.
The 19-year-old took off on foot north on 36th Avenue, Martos said. The 20-year-old "for some reason" began shooting at some guests in the front yard, Martos said.
At that point, one of the under covers took aim at the 20-year-old.
The younger man was still heading up 36th avenue when he came along the passenger side of the car occupied by the sergeant and aide. The sergeant shot at the suspect through the window, Martos said.
The sergeant got out of the vehicle as the suspect continued fleeing. The 19-old turned around and fired at the sergeant, who shot back. As the young man crumpled to the ground, some of his friends pulled up in a black SUV, but by that time, the ambulance had arrived, Martos said.
The two alleged shooters are hospitalized in critical condition and one may not survive, Martos said. The names of the suspects and police officers will be released later Sunday or Monday, Martos said.
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