TEMPE, AZ – The Tempe Police Department has identified Jason Fox, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting, as the suspect in two racially motivated assaults at Tempe Beach Park. Both incidents left one man seriously injured and appear to have targeted individuals identifying as Black or African American. The first incident occurred just before midnight on September 30th, when Fox allegedly confronted two people near the Mill Avenue Bridge, shouting racial slurs and brandishing a handgun before fleeing the scene. Less than 20 minutes later, on October 1st, Fox reportedly confronted a group at Tempe Beach Park, again making racial slurs. He then allegedly shot a man in the face before escaping into a nearby apartment complex. The Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) took on the case and, upon investigation, identified Fox as the suspect. The Criminal Apprehension Surveillance Team (CAST) was tasked with apprehending Fox for both aggravated assaults. During the attempted arrest, Fox shot a Tempe police detective, prompting the detectives to return fire, resulting in Fox’s death at the scene. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311. Callers may remain anonymous
