At approximately 7:26 p.m., on Saturday, June 28, Winslow Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of the Winslow city pool, located at 400 E. Maple St. The incident occurred while Little League games were in progress, and the surrounding park and pool were heavily occupied.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested on multiple felony charges including endangerment, criminal damage, disorderly conduct involving a weapon, possession of a deadly weapon, minor in possession of a firearm, discharge of a firearm within city limits and discharge of a firearm at a non-resident structure.
City of Winslow lifeguards and Little League officials evacuated the areas, and the games were rescheduled. No injuries were reported.
The initial press release stated that there was “no indication that the shots were directed towards any crowded area,” but that phrasing was later removed after community members provided additional context.
Caitlin Armijo-Martinez, a resident whose trailer is located near the scene, told The Tribune that her work trailer was hit by four bullets during the incident.
“If the trailer hadn’t been there, the bullets would have landed at the pool,” she said, noting that her trailer sat directly between the shooter’s location and the outdoor pool. Armijo-Martinez reported that six rounds were fired, with casings recovered just feet from her property. Police were able to retrieve three of the bullets that had not fully penetrated the trailer.
She also said her children had been playing outside moments before the gunfire and had briefly gone indoors, narrowly avoiding potential harm. She mentioned that she saw four kids that she believed to be the group that did the shooting, standing in the area for at least an hour before the shooting occurred.
Armijo-Martinez called 911 immediately after hearing the shots and commended the swift police response. “As a mom, I appreciate your quick response,” she said. “[The] dispatcher took my 911 calls with professionalism along with every officer and detective that showed up.” Armijo-Martinez stated that they don’t usually place their trailer in that spot of their property, and if they hadn’t moved it temporarily a day prior it could have been a real tragedy.
The Winslow Police Department, with assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, continues to investigate the case. Authorities have emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public. As a precaution, an officer will be assigned to patrol the area during games and scheduled activities, with additional patrols provided by officers on duty.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Thermen or the on-duty shift sergeant at 928-289-1433.
