COMPLAINT: Jackrabbit Lounge suspect used hatchet to attack victims

UPDATE (3:23 p.m, Oct. 28):

An interim complaint obtained by KGUN 9 identifies the suspect in the attacks at The Jackrabbit Lounge on Saturday as Tony Aros Nieves.

According to the complaint, Nieves entered the Jackrabbit armed with a hatchet, initially smashing out the mirrors inside of the business.

He then, unprovoked, swung the hatchet at one of the victims, striking him in the head and a second victim in her hand, the complaint said.

Nieves then moved on, attacking a third victim, the complaint said. He swung the hatchet at him. The third victim tried to use a chair to keep him away, but Nieves managed to strike him in the head, the complaint said. The victim fell and Nieves struck him again in the head, the complaint said.

At that point, a bystander struck Nieves with a chair, immobilizing him and preventing him from causing any more harm.

Additional staff members rushed Nieves and took away his hatchet. They kept him pinned until police arrived.

Two of the victims sustained significant injuries, the complaint said. The third did not.

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Tucson Police are investigating a violent incident that occurred Saturday night at the Jackrabbit Lounge, where patrons and staff subdued a suspect following an unprovoked attack.

According to the Tucson Police Department, officers responded after reports of an altercation at the establishment. Initial findings indicate three victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries. None of the injured individuals were transported to the hospital. Authorities said the suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In a statement posted to the Jackrabbit Lounge’s official Facebook page, management described the event as “a random act of unprovoked violence” that was “incredibly traumatizing.” The post expressed gratitude toward staff and patrons who intervened to protect others and help subdue the assailant, emphasizing the sense of unity and community demonstrated in the face of danger.

“We are all very shaken up by this incident,” the statement read, noting that the venue would reopen on Sunday but asked patrons to “refrain from asking questions” out of respect for staff members still processing the experience.

The Tucson Police Department confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence and determine the motive behind the attack.