A Good Samaritan Was Killed After Trying To Render Aid In A Car Accident

Police in Tempe have identified a man who they say was shot and killed after he attempted to render aid to victims of a car crash on Friday.

According to the report appearing on the AZ Family website, a spokesperson for the Tempe Poice Department has identified the victim as 22-year old Joseph DeLegge.

Investigators say that the initial crash happened south of the Red Mountain Freeway at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Playa Del Norte Drive at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8th. DeLegge had witnessed the crash between a black Dodge Dart and a white Hyundai.

Immediately following the crash, five people got out of the Hyundai and attempted to flee the scene.  DeLegge went over to help the driver of the Dodge, but police said he left the scene and tried to follow the individuals that left the scene.

DeLegge did manage to catch up to three of the five individuals.  DeLegge then pulled a firearm from his waistband and directed the three to sit on the curb while he called the police.  A fourth member fo the group who had also been in the Hyundai arrived on the scene, and DeLegge instructed the 17-year-old to join the others and wait for the police to arrive.

Instead, the 17-year old pulled a gun from his pants pocket and shot DeLegge in the cheek. He was rushed to an area hospital for treatment but later died at the hospital.

When police caught up to the teens, the 17-year-old who shot DeLegge tried to discard the weapon he used into Tempe Town Lake, but officers were able to retrieve the gun.

The unidentified teen has been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a minor under the age of 21, tampering with evidence, possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, and hit-and-run.

The incident is still currently under investigation.

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