Police ID 21-year-old suspect accused of shooting 9 people in Tucson
Monday, July 20, 2026 · Reported by AZ Family
Tucson police identified David Leroy French, 21, as the suspect in a downtown shooting that injured nine people early Sunday. The shooting happened near Sixth Avenue and Congress Street after a verbal dispute between two groups outside Empire Pizza, according to court records.
Officers patrolling nearby heard gunfire and reportedly saw French running from the area. One officer shot French, who was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Surveillance video reportedly shows him firing into the crowd.
French faces more than a dozen charges, including nine counts each of aggravated assault with a firearm and aggravated assault involving serious physical injury. Police said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said French was on probation from a previous aggravated assault case when the shooting occurred. That case involved firing a gun at a man during an October 2024 altercation. French pleaded guilty and received probation instead of jail time.
This story was written by Tucsonans based on reporting from AZ Family. Read the original report