Phoenix, January 15, 2026
A shooting in downtown Phoenix has resulted in a critical injury to one man and the detention of another individual by police. The incident occurred near 9th Avenue and Van Buren Street, emphasizing ongoing public safety concerns in the area. Emergency responders attended to the victim before he was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Investigators are working diligently to uncover the details surrounding the event and encourage community members to assist with information.
Phoenix
A shooting incident in downtown Phoenix on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, has left one man critically injured with a life-threatening gunshot wound, and another individual has been detained by authorities. Police responded to the scene near 9th Avenue and Van Buren Street, marking another significant event for law enforcement in the city’s central area and prompting an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
At approximately 8:25 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Phoenix police officials received a call reporting an incident in the vicinity of 9th Avenue and Van Buren Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man who had sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was immediately attended to by the Phoenix Fire Department and subsequently transported to a nearby hospital due to the severity of his injuries, which were described as life-threatening. In connection with the shooting, law enforcement authorities have successfully detained another man. This individual is currently undergoing questioning as detectives work to establish the full sequence of events that led to the shooting. Police have not yet released the identities of those involved or disclosed any information regarding a potential motive or the relationship between the two men. The area around the incident saw a visible police presence as investigators began gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Phoenix Police Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the downtown shooting. Crime scene investigators are meticulously processing the area for evidence, including ballistic information and any available surveillance footage that could shed light on the incident. While details remain limited as the investigation is in its early stages, authorities are committed to thoroughly examining all aspects of the case. The incident has drawn attention to public safety concerns in downtown Phoenix, a bustling urban environment with a mix of residential and commercial establishments. Disruptions, including temporary traffic adjustments and increased police activity, were observed in the immediate vicinity as law enforcement worked to secure the scene and conduct their preliminary inquiries. The department encourages anyone with information pertinent to the investigation to come forward and assist, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in resolving such serious matters.
Recent Safety Concerns Across Phoenix
This downtown shooting adds to a series of significant incidents that have occurred across the Phoenix metropolitan area in recent days and weeks, highlighting ongoing challenges for local law enforcement. Just hours before the downtown event, in west Phoenix, homicide detectives began investigating a separate incident on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, after a woman was found dead with a gunshot wound near 67th Avenue and Camelback Road. On Tuesday morning, January 14, 2026, central Phoenix was also the scene of a death investigation after a man with “obvious signs of trauma” was found dead near 1st Street and McDowell Road. Further, on Monday, January 13, 2026, police reported that a man was suspected of stabbing and killing his brother during a weekend fight near 17th Place and Cambridge Avenue, leading to an arrest and ongoing investigation. Looking back slightly further, downtown Phoenix also experienced a mass shooting in late December 2025, specifically around December 28-30, where four people were wounded, one critically injured, and an arrest was made in connection with that event. These various incidents collectively demonstrate the persistent efforts required by the Phoenix Police Department to address diverse crime issues and maintain safety throughout the city’s expansive area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in downtown Phoenix on Thursday, January 15, 2026?
- A shooting incident in downtown Phoenix on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, has left one man critically injured with a life-threatening gunshot wound, and another individual has been detained by authorities.
- Where exactly did the downtown Phoenix shooting occur?
- The incident took place near 9th Avenue and Van Buren Street.
- What is the condition of the injured man?
- The man sustained a gunshot wound described as life-threatening and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is in critical condition.
- Has anyone been detained in connection with the shooting?
- Yes, law enforcement authorities have successfully detained another man, who is currently undergoing questioning.
- What is the status of the investigation?
- The Phoenix Police Department has initiated a comprehensive and active investigation into the downtown shooting, gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
- Are there other recent crime incidents in Phoenix?
- Yes, other recent incidents include a homicide investigation in west Phoenix on January 15, 2026, a death investigation in central Phoenix on January 14, 2026, and a fatal stabbing in Phoenix reported on January 13, 2026.
Key Details of the Downtown Phoenix Shooting
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Shooting Incident | Local (Phoenix) |
| Date | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Local (Phoenix) |
| Time | Approximately 8:25 a.m. | Local (Phoenix) |
| Location | Near 9th Avenue and Van Buren Street, Downtown Phoenix | Local (Phoenix) |
| Victim Status | One man critically injured (life-threatening gunshot wound) | Local (Phoenix) |
| Detainee Status | One individual detained for questioning | Local (Phoenix) |
| Investigation | Active and comprehensive | Local (Phoenix) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
