That apparently was the case in a Taco Bell drive-thru in Surprise, Arizona at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. The results were fatal for one young man.
According to investigators, 24-year-old Adrian Garduno was part of a confrontation with multiple individuals in another vehicle at the restaurant. The young man apparently made the serious mistake of exiting his vehicle, dramatically escalating what was up until then a war of words.
Then he allegedly brandished a firearm and aimed it at the other vehicle.
This led to one of the people in the second vehicle firing several shots at Garduno, striking him multiple times.
Police had already been dispatched to the scene when the shooting occurred. When they arrived, they found Garduno had already died.
The police department described the results of their inquiry. “Mr. Garduno exited his vehicle, displayed a firearm, approached the other vehicle, and pointed his firearm at the occupants. It was at this time that an adult male in the other vehicle presented his own firearm, shooting and striking Mr. Garduno multiple times.”
As for the shooter, he stayed behind and cooperated with investigators. He was questioned by law enforcement officers and then released without being charged pending further review.
Officials noted the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will examine the evidence and make a determination on proceeding with the case. Without new information, however, it is highly unlikely the shooter will face prosecution for what appears to be a clear-cut case of self-defense.
