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Shooting that injured juvenile the latest incident in a string of violence at Westgate Shopping Center

The shooting occurred late Friday evening near the Yardhouse restaurant, police say. Now, shoppers say they are thinking twice about going to Westgate.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — A juvenile is injured following a shooting in Glendale, police said.

Glendale police officers responded to the Westgate Entertainment District around 10 p.m. on June 28 about a shooting in the plaza near the Yardhouse restaurant, police said. 

A boy sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was provided medical attention at a local hospital, police said.

Police officers found a juvenile boy suspect in a nearby parking lot. Police said the boy was later arrested for various weapons charges in connection with the incident. The boy's name will not be released because of his age, police said.

Police said they believe this to be a "directed and isolated incident between two groups." 

However, this is not the first time something like this has happened. 12News looked back over the past four and a half years and found at least 9 shootings at Westgate were reported. 

The most notable was in May of 2020 when Armando Hernandez shot and injured three people. Glendale police say the then 20-year-old admitted to the shooting, and he had been bullied and wanted to gain respect. In July of 2022, Hernandez was sentenced to 44 years in prison.

Some people who spoke with 12News said they enjoy coming to Westgate but admit it is concerning all the shootings that have been reported there. 

Many weren't surprised to hear about what happened Friday night, and that it's definitely starting to change the way they view it.

"It's something I factor coming here you know? I take that into consideration," Dallan Lily said. "When I think of Westgate now I think it's more known as a dangerous area and stuff honestly."

"I only heard of it last night because somebody was like, 'Oh it happened again,'" said Arias Griego. "And so it was like that's pretty wild, that's like, again I don't know how many times it's happened but the fact it's happened that much at this same location it makes you wonder like, what's going on?"

12News reached out to the PR Firm representing Westgate Entertainment District for comment and was told to contact Glendale Police about the matter. Glendale Police are releasing limited information on their investigation and asking anyone with information to call 623-930-3000.

<< This story will be updated as additional information becomes available. Stay with 12News for the latest.

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