Authorities confirmed Tuesday that Jason Alexander Fox, a 27-year-old white man, was killed by Tempe police on Oct. 1 after he committed two racially motivated assaults against Black individuals. The attacks, which took place near Tempe Beach Park, escalated into a violent confrontation with police, resulting in Fox’s death.
The first assault occurred late on the night of Sept. 30, when Fox reportedly confronted a Black couple near the Mill Avenue Bridge, shouting racial slurs and brandishing a handgun before fleeing the scene. Roughly twenty minutes later, Fox confronted another group of Black individuals in the area. According to police, Fox once again used racial slurs, and this time opened fire, shooting one of the victims in the face. The victim, a man whose identity has not been released, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
Fox fled to a nearby apartment complex after the second assault. Detectives from Tempe PD’s Criminal Investigations Bureau located him shortly afterward and attempted to take him into custody. As officers approached, Fox allegedly opened fire on them, hitting one detective in the arm. The injured officer was rushed to the hospital and later released.
In response to the gunfire, the detectives returned fire, fatally wounding Fox. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the events leading up to the confrontation is ongoing, with Tempe police urging anyone with additional information about Fox or the racially motivated attacks to come forward. Authorities stress that the suspect’s violent actions were part of a hate-driven crime, and they are committed to ensuring justice for the victims. Tempe PD has opened a tip line for witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the incident, allowing for anonymous reporting.
As the investigation continues, police have yet to announce whether any further charges will be filed related to the case.