Tempe police have arrested 39-year-old Blaine Blystone in connection with a deadly shooting and fire that occurred late last month at an apartment complex near 800 E. Curry Road.
Investigators say the incident unfolded on Sept. 26, when 38-year-old Gustavo Gonzales was sitting in his car preparing to leave the complex. Blystone allegedly began firing multiple rounds from his apartment into the vehicle. Neighbors who heard the gunfire called 911, and officers arrived to find Gonzales critically injured. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
After the shooting, police say Blystone set fire to his apartment and shot himself in the stomach. Officers found him attempting to leave through his garage. Although he initially claimed unknown individuals had attacked him, evidence at the scene linked him to both the shooting and the fire.
Following surgery, Blystone admitted to detectives that he intentionally carried out the attack but said he did not personally know the victim.
He has since been booked into jail on charges including first-degree murder, arson, discharging a firearm at a structure, and unlawful discharge of a weapon.
Tempe police thanked nearby residents for their cooperation during emergency evacuations and commended the coordinated efforts of officers, firefighters, and detectives who responded to the scene.
