Tips lead to arrest in two random shootings in Arlington after police ask for help
Arlington police arrested a 29-year-old man they suspect in two recent shootings in the city shortly after sending out a call for help from the public, according to a Thursday news release.
Kelechi Ezugwu is charged two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after investigators believe he shot at, but did not hit, a man at a parking lot in the 1100 block of West Arbrook Boulevard on Sept. 27 and on Wednesday shot at a man sitting in his car outside a gym in the 900 block of West Arbrook Boulevard.
Ezugwu was arrested Thursday in the 3700 block of South Cooper Street after investigators received tips that he might be there, police said in an update.
In the first shooting, police said, Ezugwu parked in a store parking lot, got out of his car and walked up to another person who had just gotten in their own vehicle. The victim told investigators that he started driving away as soon as he saw Ezugwu walking toward him, and Ezugwu opened fire as the victim was exiting the parking lot. While he was not injured, his car was struck by gunfire.
In the second incident, police again said Ezugwu drove into a parking lot, got out of his car and walked toward a man sitting in his own vehicle, checking emails on his way to work outside a gym. Ezugwu approached him holding a gun and as the victim drove away Ezugwu fired multiple shots in his direction, police said. As in the first shooting, the victim was not injured but his car was struck by bullets.
Police believe both shootings are random and that neither victim had any connection to Ezugwu. Investigators believe the suspect may be suffering from mental health issues.
This story was originally published October 26, 2023 at 1:56 PM.