Glendale police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the Fourth of July shooting at Westgate Entertainment District that injured five juveniles and sent hundreds of holiday visitors scrambling for safety.
The teen faces charges of aggravated assault, endangerment, and minor in possession of a firearm. According to investigators, the suspect was visiting Westgate with family members after watching fireworks when he encountered a group of classmates near the entertainment district’s fountain area. Police allege a verbal confrontation escalated after the teen displayed a large amount of cash before pulling out a handgun and firing.
Authorities said another person in the opposing group also produced a firearm and returned fire. Investigators recovered shell casings from two different calibers near the scene, supporting evidence that multiple weapons were discharged during the exchange.
Among the five people injured was the suspect’s 8-year-old sister, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. Other victims included juveniles who were shot in the hip and thigh, while another bystander was grazed by gunfire. All of the victims were hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Police located the suspect elsewhere within the Westgate complex after the shooting and recovered a handgun that investigators said matched shell casings found at the scene. The incident prompted a temporary lockdown of the entertainment district as officers and SWAT teams searched the area. Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone with photos or video of the shooting to contact the Glendale Police Department.
