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Suspect arrested for firing gun near Scottsdale school

No injuries were reported after 31-year-old Justin Bowser allegedly fired a gun near Desert Canyon Middle School.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A suspected shooter was taken into custody Monday after they allegedly fired a gun near Desert Canyon Middle School. 

The Scottsdale Police Department said Justin Bowser, 31, allegedly fired a gun at about 11 a.m. near a baseball field located near the school.

No injuries were reported and the school was temporarily placed on lockdown.

Bowser was apprehended and arrested at a nearby aquatic center. Police said when they searched Bowser, they found a pistol and fentanyl pills in his pocket.

According to a police report, Bowser told officers that another person had discharged the gun, dropped the gun and then ran off into a neighborhood nearby. Bowser said he didn't want to leave the gun in the field, so he picked it up. 

Police said Bowser admitted to his fentanyl use and said he had been using the morning the incident occurred.

Police said Bowser did not appear to be targeting the school and has no apparent ties to the school. Bowser was booked into jail on several criminal charges.

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Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous. 

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