PHOENIX — Mesa police arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of fatally shooting a 32-year-old man behind a pet store Saturday evening.
Around 6 p.m. Saturday, police were called to a report of a possible shooting behind the Platts Pez store on Southern Avenue North at Alma School Road. The first caller reported that a store employee may have been involved.
Police said officers found a 32-year-old man with life-threatening injuries. Life-saving measures began and firefighters quickly took over, but the man was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.
Police found the employee involved, Jacob Urias, 21, inside the store and took him into custody.
After investigating, detectives determined that Urias and two female employees were working outside the building when they asked a 32-year-old man to leave due to trespassing. The man did not leave and the two women returned to the store to call the police. The shooting occurred during a call.
During questioning by detectives, Urias admitted to shooting the man and was jailed on charges of second-degree murder.
The investigation is ongoing and details are subject to change.
