Deputies responded to an address in Silver Bells Estates, Eloy, Sunday night, May 31 at 8:20 p.m., on reports of an unknown male firing shots at the victims in their backyard. On deputies’ arrival, the suspect was gone from the scene.
The victims, an adult male and female, told the deputies they were listening to music in the backyard of their residence when they were approached from the north desert area by someone they described as an older Caucasian male. He was carrying a handgun and was screaming at them trying to provoke a confrontation. He was highly agitated and yelled at the victims about loud music.
Fearing an escalation and confrontation with the man, the victims walked back to their house. As their backs were turned to the male suspect, they heard numerous shots being fired. None of the shots hit or injured any of the victims. After yelling more about loud noise, the suspect left the area.
Deputies found several bullet casings on the ground where the victims reported the male subject was standing. They also found clear footprints believed to be left by the suspect. During a neighborhood canvas, a neighbor reported an older male subject who lives on the next street north (Virgo Drive), is known to shoot off his weapon and he matches the description given by the victims.
Deputies located the house described by witnesses on Virgo Drive and contacted a male subject who fit the description of the suspect. He was found to have a .25 caliber handgun in his left front pocket, similar to what was described by the victims. In addition, his shoes matched the prints identified as being left by the suspect. Subsequently, the man was positively identified by the victims as the man who they had the confrontation with.
The suspect was identified as Clarence Alvin Britt, a 74-year-old Eloy resident. Britt admitted to going to the victims’ address, but denied threatening or shooting his weapon. Britt was transported to a local hospital after complaining of chest pains. He will be charged with Aggravated Assault and Disorderly Conduct at a later date.
Sheriff Paul Babeu said, “Mr. Britt is no stranger to our deputies, as we have had contact with him in the past for illegally discharging his weapon and assaultive behavior. We are glad the victims chose to go in the house and call 911, rather than risk further confrontation. It ultimately led to nobody getting hurt and Mr. Britt being arrested for the crimes.”