PHOENIX — A fight over a parking spot led to one man shooting and killing another man in self-defense, according to the Phoenix Police Department.
Police told 12News the shooting happened at about 9:20 p.m. in the area of 3060 West Agua Fria Freeway, in a shopping center just southwest of the Loop 101-Interstate 17 junction.
When officers got to the scene, they found a man, identified as 32-year-old Alejandro Samplina who had been shot and was seriously hurt. He was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.
Police say their investigation showed Samplina got into an argument over a parking spot with another man, identified as 53-year-old Shannon Ritch. As they were arguing, Samplina allegedly pulled out a knife and chased Ritch around his car.
As that was happening, Ritch was able to get a gun from the open door of his car. Police say Samplina then walked toward Ritch "in a threatening manner" while holding the knife, which is when Ritch allegedly fired one bullet and shot Samplina.
Ritch remained at the scene of the shooting, was detained and was interviewed by detectives. He told them the shooting was in self-defense and police say that claim was backed up by witnesses and surveillance video. Police say they were able to recover the gun Ritch allegedly used "from his person." Ritch has been released and any potential charges will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney's office to be reviewed.
This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are made available.
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