9OYS Crime Watch
'I wanted it to stop': Bar brawl victim recounts mob attack
Deputies have arrested nine of the suspected attackers
Reporter: Kevin Keen
PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - They kicked, punched and shoved her and the surveillance video from that night shows it.
A visibly angry mob of ten beat a group of three -- including a 45-year-old woman -- at a west side bar last month. Now, with most of the suspected attackers arrested, she shares a message for the community.
The brutal attack happened at Outlaw Saloon on West Roger Road in mid-February. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and KGUN9 News broadcast the surveillance video. Dozens of tips and days later, deputies arrested nine of the suspected attackers. Investigators identified the tenth and final man -- 33-year-old Frederick Nelson -- on Friday and are working on an arrest warrant.
One of the three victims was a 45-year-old woman. Another was her 21-year-old son. She spoke with KGUN9, but didn’t want to show her face or use her name because she wants the suspected attackers to know as little about her as possible.
The woman said she was at the Outlaw Saloon that night to see a friend. The video shows several people around 2:30 a.m. beating her.
“At the time, it was just a big blur to me,” she said, adding she couldn’t remember many details of exactly what happened and how it all started.
“It wasn't a fight,” she said. “It was -- everything was unexpected. We didn't expect anything. We never even had any encounter with these people. I don't think we'd even seen them there that night.”
Reporter Kevin Keen asked her, “Do you remember what was going through your mind?”
She answered yes, repeating, “I wanted it to stop.”
But the victim said -- and the video shows -- they did not imediately stop. They continued for around 90 seconds, according to the portion of the video released to the public.
To date, deputies have arrested nine people. They are men and women in the 20s, 30s and 40s. Each is charged with three counts of aggravated assault.
“Have you seen their faces -- their mug shots?” Keen asked.
“A few, yes,” she answered. “I don't really want to look at it.”
The woman said dwelling on the suspected attackers does her little good. She wanted to focus on the positive, such as the response from the community.
“To thank the public for their support and helping us find these people,” she said, recognizing the relative quickness of the arrests and the dozens of tips that 88-CRIME received.
What does she think of the men and women deputies say attacked her?
“I hope they get some kind of help. You know, for their anger. Just pray for them to get better,” she said, tearing up.
When asked how long it will take to get back to normal, she said, “Time will tell.”
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.