A 20‑year‑old man was critically wounded Saturday night in West Phoenix after a sale went violently wrong, police said. Officers arrived at about 9:15 p.m. to find the victim with multiple gunshot wounds and a second, less‑injured man who said he was hit by a stray bullet. The suspects fled with the items, and their identities remain unknown.

Police Detail the 79th & Hess Avenue Shootout

Sergeant Maria Hernandez of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed that responders were dispatched after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire near the residential intersection of 79th and Hess Avenues. the location,typically described as a quiet neighborhood of family homes, became the scene of a chaotic exchange when the suspects allegedly seized the items and opened fire.

Victims’ Accounts Reveal a Pre‑arranged Sale Gone Wrong

The critically injured man and a second victim in his 20s had arranged to meet unknown buyers to sell undisclosed items,according to investigators. While the exact nature of the merchandise was not released, detectives believe the transaction was premeditated, noting that the suspects left without payment after taking the goods.

One Victim Fired Back – Suspects Remain at Large

One of the injured parties reportedly returned fire during the confrontation, though police have not confirmed whether any assailant was hit. The suspects vanished before law enforcement could secure the scene, and no arrests have been made. Detectives are probing whether the victims and suspects knew each other or if the attack was random.

Police Urge Safer Online‑Marketplace Exchanges

In response to the shooting, the Phoenix Police Department is urging residents to use designated safe exchange zones—such as precinct parking lots or well‑lit public areas—when buying or selling items online. The department also increased patrols in West Phoenix after a recent spike in violent crimes tied to private transactions.

Who Were the Unknown Buyers? – Unanswered Leads

Authorities have not identified the suspects, and the motive behind the robebry‑turned‑shooting remains unclear. Police are still seeking information about any prior relationship between the victims and the buyers , and they ask the public to call the non‑emergency tip line or use the Silent Witness system at 480‑WITNESS.