Arizona — On Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, Glendale Police Officers responded to a call for service of a woman who may have been in distress at a local business located near the intersection of 63rd Avenue and Bell Road. The victim in this case entered the business with the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Daren Howard to purchase a firearm. It was during the exchange that the female indicated she was in distress. According to the caller, the man was acting erratically while inside the store with the woman. The store clerks, sensing danger, attempted to stall the transaction until officers arrived. Once the officers arrived, store employees filled them in on why they were called. At this point, officers attempted to speak to Howard, who became more aggressive. Howard, who was armed with a knife, attempted to take the female victim hostage. Officers attempted to use less lethal force but sensing the woman’s life was in danger fired multiple rounds towards the suspect. Once the female victim was moved away safely, officers moved in and secured the weapon and Howard. It was then that officers started providing life-saving aid. Howard, who survived his injuries, is facing several charges and was last being held at the Maricopa County Jail on a $350,000 cash bond.
