Detectives have continued their investigation into the homicide that occurred Sunday evening. They learned the vehicle the two males left the scene in was a larger white Dodge Ram truck. Through the course of the investigation, they were able to identify the shooter as 26-year-old Eugene Orlando Payne Jr. and obtained a felony arrest warrant for 1st Degree Murder. The detectives immediately began working with the U.S. Marshal’s Wanted Task Force to apprehend Mr. Payne Jr.
Wednesday evening, the U.S. Marshal’s Wanted Task Force located the truck believed to be involved in the homicide occupied by two males. With the assistance of officers from Operations Division South, a traffic stop was initiated in the area of S. Midvale Park Rd. and W. Lavender Mountain Pl., but the driver failed to yield to officers. After a short pursuit, the driver stopped the vehicle in the 5800 block of S. Mahan Dr. and both occupants exited the vehicle. The driver was immediately detained without incident.
The passenger fled on foot. Additional patrol officers, the K-9 Unit, the Air Unit and SWAT officers saturated the area to search for the passenger. Residents in the area were advised to remain inside for their safety through the use of the public address system and assistance from members of the Tucson Real-time Analytical Crime Center (TRACC). An extensive search was conducted and the passenger was located attempting to climb a wall in the 5800 block of S. Blucher Dr. He was taken into custody with the assistance of the TPD K-9.
The passenger was positively identified as Mr. Payne Jr. He was transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Payne Jr. will be booked into the Pima County Jail upon completion of his medical treatment.
The detained driver has been identified as the other male present during the shooting. The investigation is ongoing to determine his involvement. No additional suspects are believed to be outstanding related to the homicide. The detectives are furthering their investigation and additional details will be released as they become available.
This morning, Mr. Eugene Orlando Payne Jr. was released from the hospital. He was transported and booked into the Pima County Jail for 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Burglary. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 49-year-old George Anthony Contreras. He was arrested for Hindering Prosecution, Unlawful Felony Flight, Possession of Marijuana and unrelated misdemeanor warrants. He was also transported and booked into the Pima County Jail.