Shooting near Speedway and Swan disrupts Midtown businesses

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Demi Ware works at a store in Mission Plaza at the intersection of Speedway and Swan. He wouldn't say which one, but said there aren't usually shootings there.

“Tucson should be a safe place for everyone,” Ware said. “The area in general … I don't think it's that bad there.”

Bullet holes and damage can still be seen on the outside of several companies, including the company where Ware works.

Since the shooting outside a hookah bar two weeks ago, he said he hasn't seen many customers, meaning he's only making about half the sales he normally does.

“Normally the entire parking lot is full, but as you can see, that's not the case today,” Ware said, pointing to several empty parking spaces. “Over the last two weeks, we've seen a sharp drop in traffic.”

Kiwami Ramen is across the plaza and next to the hookah lounge. Manager Don Schackart said business is good, but there have been shootings in the past, usually between 1 and 5 a.m.

“There was a drive-by shooting right in front of us, the driver drove onto our property and died,” he said.

However, he said there have never been any shootings during open hours. Still, he said, they take precautions such as cutting down trees and bushes so Tucson police can see suspects. He said managers also walk around the premises to look for suspicious people and they lock drawers and the drive-thru window.

“We don’t carry a lot of money or anything like that in the store to be attractive,” said Schackart.

He also said they are working with Tucson police to obtain “No Trespassing” signs and that police have already given him a list of contacts he can call in case of an emergency.

Schackart has also observed the TPD patrolling the area more frequently. The TPD told KGUN 9 News reporter Andrew Christiansen that they are still patrolling the area at Speedway on Swan. Generally, they said they patrol areas where they see an increase in violent crime.

“It’s always a relief to see the police out there,” said Schackart.