Arrest made in Phoenix community college shooting
Phoenix police officers stand outside South Mountain Community College after three people were shot Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the college in Phoenix. Officials say three people were shot Thursday afternoon at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, and two of them were critically injured. (AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX (AP) — A former student shot three people Thursday in a computer room at a Phoenix community college, injuring two of them critically, authorities said. The gunman fled but a suspect was arrested nearby.
The shooting at South Mountain Community College was part of a running dispute between the suspect and one of the victims, said Sgt. Andy Hill, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department.
‘‘This was not a random shooter going around the campus shooting,’’ Hill said, noting that two of the injured people were struck by stray bullets.
‘‘I saw someone get punched and then I heard three shots after that,’’ said student Yessenia Lara, 18. ‘‘Everybody basically ducked, and the shooter got away.’’ She said the victims were yelling in pain.
The suspect was identified as Rodney Smith, who police said was a former student at the college. Details on when he attended the school were not immediately available.
Air Force missile launch crew fell asleep
WASHINGTON (AP) — Three ballistic missile crew members in North Dakota fell asleep while holding classified launch code devices this month, triggering an investigation by military and National Securit
» Full StoryFeds say Utah mine operator courted danger
PRICE, Utah (AP) — The operator of a collapsed Utah mine violated safety protocols by cutting coal pillars that should have been left standing to prevent cave-ins, federal regulators said Thursday.
» Full StorySouth Texas begins cleanup after Hurricane Dolly
HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) — Residents across south Texas slogged through knee-deep muddy waters, tiptoed around downed power lines and dug through debris Thursday, but were thankful that Hurricane Dolly d
» Full StoryProsecutor: Escaped convict, wife, daughter slain
BENNETT, Colo. (AP) — A convicted spammer killed his wife and young daughter in an apparent murder-suicide Thursday while being sought after escaping prison last weekend, authorities said.
» Full StoryRegulators scolded on medically unfit truckers
WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers scolded federal regulators Thursday for failing to implement recommendations made in 2001 that were designed to keep medically unfit commercial truck and bus drivers
» Full Story


