Driver shot in Avondale loses control and crashes into home, injuring woman inside
Marcus Whitfield
AVONDALE, AZ — A driver who was shot by a group of people Friday night lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a home, striking a woman inside, according to Avondale police.
The crash happened just after 9 p.m. in a neighborhood near Avondale Boulevard and Van Buren Street. Neighbors said the impact sent a car through the wall of a home, leaving a visible hole in the structure.
Neighbor Gervaughn said he was inside with his sister when he heard the collision.
"It was like a huge impact, like when someone tries to bang or break down a door, and you just hear it and it sounds so loud," Gervaughn said.
He said screaming followed. When he looked outside, he saw the damage.
"We just keep hearing more screaming, and then I check outside and I just see a hole inside the house," Gervaughn said.
Another neighbor, Roman, said the vehicle never turned before striking the home.
"They didn't seem to turn at all, just went straight into the house," Roman said.
Driver critical; woman released from hospital
Both the driver and the woman inside the home were taken to a hospital. Avondale police said the driver's injuries are critical. The woman has since been released.
A group of people accused of shooting the driver fled the scene. No arrests have been made.
Avondale police have not said what prompted the shooting. Investigators said they do not believe the group and the driver knew each other.
Some neighbors said they believe the incident may have started as a robbery attempt.
"He had told the daughter that somebody was trying to steal his truck," one anonymous neighbor said.
Neighborhood shaken; residents urge tips
Resident Dalia Auffant said the incident has left neighbors unsettled.
"Absolutely, this could have happened to anybody," Auffant said.
She said neighbors are thinking about the woman who was injured.
"I really hope that she's okay. That makes me sad to know that something like that has happened to her," Auffant said.
She urged anyone with information to come forward.
"If anyone sees anything, if anyone knows anyone that knows what happened, make that call," Auffant said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Avondale Police at 623-333-7000 or Silent Witness to remain anonymous.