BULLHEAD CITY – A vape store employee was arrested after firing shots at a shoplifter who fled the Bullhead City business on Monday, Dec. 18. Officers responded at 8:40 p.m. to a report that shots had been fired in the 2800 block of Highway 95.
“A married couple, ages 67 and 68, reported that they were in their parked vehicle in the north Walmart parkinglot when they heard several gun shots,” said Emily Fromelt, spokeswoman for the Bullhead City police department. “One bullet went through the front windshield and a back window on their camper shell was also shattered. No injuries were reported.”
Fromelt said officers determined that the gunfire came from across the street in the 2700 block of Miracle Mile. She said police contacted Joshua Rodriguez, 27, who was staffing the vape store there.
Fromelt said Rodriguez eventually admitted that he was responsible for the gunfire after witnessing a man engage in shoplifting items.
“Rodriguez then followed him outside and fired approximately five rounds in the suspect’s direction as he fled in a red Mustang,” she said. “The unknown shoplifter was not armed and reportedly did not make any threats.”
Fromelt said shoplifter was not identified or located and may not have been hurt as no one sought treatment for gunshot wounds are area hospitals. She said surveillance video confirmed the suspect’s account involving the shoplifter and subsequent gunfire.
Rodriguez was arrested and jailed for aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and criminal damage.
