Chaos erupted on a San Tan Valley, Arizona, street when an SUV smashed through the front wall of a home near Hunt Highway and Magma Road. The homeowner, rather than help the man from the vehicle, opened fire on the driver.
The driver of the SUV, 34-year-old Jewell Vaughn, was shot and killed in the incident. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he was the father of five and a grandfather to one.
As the SUV careened through the front wall of the San Tan Valley home, it injured the two residents inside. The report from the scene stated that both an adult male and female were in the house at the time.
Footage and photos from the scene show that the SUV entered through the front wall and continued out the back and into the yard. The car had suffered significant damage from both the crash and the gunfire that broke out shortly after it careened through the building and out the other side.
Aggressive Reaction
A report by ABC stated that neighbors who witnessed the crash were shocked to see that the injured resident of the house began firing a gun at Vaughn. Several 911 calls were made, but emergency services were too late for the father of five, and he died a short time later.
The suspected shooter was taken into custody and questioned before he and the female resident were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. Both are expected to make a full recovery. The investigation is ongoing.
At present, it is unclear whether Vaughn drove into the house intentionally or due to a mechanical failure or a health issue. It is also still not known why the resident responded with gunfire. However, investigators are working on uncovering the lead-up and cause of the fatal event. Once a conclusion is drawn up, the results will be forwarded to the county attorney’s office.
Leaving Behind A Loving Family
The driver of the SUV was a father and grandfather at the age of only 34. His family released a statement addressing their loss and love for the family man.
“While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the love, laughter and memories that Jewell brought into our lives. His spirit, smile and the impact he made on those who knew him will never be forgotten.”
The reasons for the chaotic incident in the San Tan Valley neighborhood are still unclear, but the investigation will hopefully give the family some answers.