Man Arrested with Firearms Following Shooting that Injures Four at Arizona Airport
A 21-year-old individual is reportedly facing an aggravated assault charge for allegedly spitting on a police officer while under the impression he was responding to an active shooter situation at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Cole Nenon, 21, arrived at Terminal 4 with several firearms just hours after a shooting incident that injured two men and left a woman in critical condition.
“Detectives have confirmed that a physical confrontation occurred among a group of five individuals—three adults and two teens—who were acquainted with each other,” stated Sgt. Phil Krynsky from the Phoenix police Public Affairs Bureau.
During this altercation, Krynsky noted that one of the adults brandished a weapon and fired multiple shots, hitting a woman and a teenage male.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:45 p.m. outside a restaurant and a TSA checkpoint.
“The teenage male involved was armed with a knife and inflicted a cut on the man who discharged the firearm. Additionally, another adult male present sustained minor injuries,” Krynsky added.
Related Stories
“All individuals involved in the altercation have been located and identified, and there are no outstanding suspects,” Krynsky confirmed.
The critically injured woman remains hospitalized, while the other three individuals involved received treatment and were subsequently released after being interviewed by detectives.
Ongoing investigations will determine whether additional charges will be filed, according to Krynsky.
The identities of the adult victims have not yet been disclosed by the police.
Nenon faces an aggravated assault charge following his alleged act of spitting at a police officer near the shooting scene around 11:25 p.m.
According to police reports, Nenon entered Terminal 4 after being informed by a relative about the earlier shooting.
Before approaching the officer stationed outside the shooting location, Nenon reportedly handed his weapons to individuals at the airport.
“Nenon appeared to be agitated and started shouting at the officer as he got closer,” Krynsky noted. “Despite the officer’s commands to cease, he ignored them, leading to the officer subduing him and placing him under arrest.”
During this confrontation, Nenon allegedly spat at the officer and struck him, according to police reports.
Krynsky emphasized that Nenon had “no connection to the earlier shooting incident.”
Police have retrieved three firearms, which have since been impounded.
