The Phoenix Police Department arrested an armed man on Thursday afternoon at the Phoenix Convention Center during this first day of the popular geek event.
According to officials, 29-year-old Valley resident Mathew Sterling was armed to the teeth with three handguns, a shotgun, ammunition, knives, and body armor. He was apprehended after a struggle involving several officers and is currently in custody.
According to Sergeant Mercedes Fortune, Sterling was posting photos of Phoenix police officers at the convention center online. A female acquaintance noticed the pics, contacted the cops, and provided a description.
"This person saw some behavior that was suspicious, so she alerted law enforcement," Fortune says.
Phoenix P.D. cops quickly located Sterling on the second floor of the convention center. He's been charged with attempted murder, resisting arrest, multiple counts of aggravated assault, carrying a weapon in a prohibited place, and wearing body armor during the commission of a felony.
Police officials have stated that Sterling was allegedly intent on hurting or killing cops, as well as a Phoenix Comicon perform.
There's been no word on how Sterling was able to slip past security with the weapons.
Thursday's incident has been the only blight on what was a pretty calm first day of Phoenix Comicon.
While no programming or panels were disrupted due to the arrest, Phoenix P.D. and Comicon organizers have announced that certain costuming items and prop weapons will be banned from the event starting on Friday.
Increased security measures will be implemented, including additional screening checkpoints and an increased police presence.
Phoenix Comicon director Matt Solberg released a statement announcing the changes to this year's event and thanking police officials.
"We are extremely grateful to the Phoenix Police Department for their diligence in following security protocol and working quickly to apprehend the individual," Solberg stated. "We are working with the Phoenix Convention Center and the Phoenix Police
Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout since its original publication with additional details and comments from Comicon organizers.
