Man Arrested After Shooting Aquaintance in Tempe Apartment in Robbery Attempt

Tempe police arrested a man who allegedly shot one man, assaulted another, and attempted to rob them both.

About 9 p.m. Wednesday night, 23-year-old Ruben Vierra went to the door of the victims' Mission Springs Apartment at 1311 W. Baseline Road in Tempe and knocked on the door, cops say. One of the victims recognized Vierra and let him into the apartment.

Once inside, Vierra pulled out a gun and told the two victims to get on the floor. Thinking Vierra was joking, the victims didn't immediately comply.

However, when two of Vierra's unidentified gun-toting buddies entered the apartment and made the same demands, the victims knew the three men meant business and hit the deck.

Police say one of the victims tried to leave the apartment, but was shot in the leg by one of the unidentified suspects and only made it a few feet out the door before he could no longer move.

According to police, the wounded victim watched as the two unidentified men left the apartment on foot, while Vierra was still in the apartment kicking the other victim in the head.

As Vierra left the apartment, police say ,he pointed his gun at the wounded victim's head and began firing.

The victim, who had his arms over his head as Vierra shot, managed to escape the incident with only a gunshot wound to the forearm and leg. Vierra only stopped shooting after he was shot in the back by the other victim, who grabbed his own gun to protect his friend.

Vierra was arrested and charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

The other suspects escaped police but are described as a heavy-set black male and a thin hispanic male.

Anyone with information should contact the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311