Phoenix police seek suspect and possible second victim in shooting

An evening shooting outside a Phoenix liquor store has left one adult man dead and sparked an active search for both a second potential victim and the gunman, according to local authorities.

The violence erupted just as the evening commute wound down on October 28, 2026. Police officers rushed to the commercial strip near 16th Avenue and Buckeye Road at approximately 6:30 p.m., fox10phoenix.com reported. Yellow crime scene tape quickly sealed off the perimeter surrounding the Pop N’ Bottles Liquor store as investigators converged on the pavement.

Homicide Detectives Probe the Scene Near 16th Avenue and Buckeye Road

First responders located an adult male suffering from a critical gunshot wound at the scene. Paramedics transported the injured man to a nearby hospital, where medical staff pronounced him dead shortly after arrival.

As forensic teams processed the pavement outside the storefront, investigators uncovered disturbing indications that the violence was not isolated to a single person. According to details released by the Phoenix Police Department, authorities received information pointing to a possible second shooting victim. That individual has not yet been identified, and search efforts across the surrounding neighborhoods remain ongoing.

Homicide detectives have officially taken over the investigation, working to piece together the sequence of events that brought gunfire to the busy intersection. ABC15 confirmed that the suspect fled the immediate area before patrol units arrived, escaping behind the wheel of a gold-colored sedan.

Public Appeal Issued as Investigators Pursue Leads

Investigators have released very few details regarding a potential motive, and officials are withholding the identity of the deceased man pending family notification. With the suspect still at large and the whereabouts of the possible second victim unknown, police are leaning heavily on community assistance.

shooting near 1600 west buckeye road — Photo: abc15.com

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting, the gold sedan, or the missing second individual to step forward. Tips can be directed anonymously through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can reach out to Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO or call 480-837-8446. Officials confirmed that anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.