Grand jury indicts Phoenix man accused of firing BB and paintball rounds at north Phoenix mosque

Indictment follows March incident near a north Phoenix place of worship

A Maricopa County grand jury has indicted a 30-year-old Phoenix man in connection with an early-morning incident in north Phoenix in which investigators say a suspect fired pellet- and paintball-style projectiles toward people gathered at a mosque and struck nearby property. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The case centers on events reported shortly after 2:30 a.m. on March 7, 2026, near 2300 West Joan De Arc Avenue, close to 23rd Avenue. Police said community members were at a mosque when a vehicle approached the gate and a man got out and pointed what initially appeared to be a firearm. Witnesses reported hearing repeated “popping” sounds and moved to safety.

Investigators later concluded the sounds were consistent with a pellet or paintball device rather than a conventional firearm. Police said the suspect returned to the vehicle and continued firing toward the group, striking several parked vehicles before leaving the area. Authorities reported no physical injuries.

Arrest and evidence described in court filings

Phoenix police identified Michael Abel Dominguez as the suspect and arrested him on March 9, 2026. Police said the investigation involved reviewing surveillance video, analyzing evidence, and linking the vehicle involved to its registered owner. Officers took Dominguez into custody with assistance from a fugitive detail, and detectives later executed search warrants.

Police said they recovered pellet-style devices consistent with those believed to have been used during the incident, along with additional evidence. Separate court records described the case as involving aggravated-assault allegations and other charges. Police also said Dominguez had an outstanding felony warrant at the time of his arrest.

• Date and time of incident: March 7, 2026, about 2:31 a.m.
• Location: near 2300 W. Joan De Arc Ave., north Phoenix
• Suspect arrested: March 9, 2026
• Reported injuries: none

Hate-crime questions and jurisdictional thresholds

The incident occurred during Ramadan, a period when mosques often host late-night prayers and youth activities. Community advocates have called for investigators to examine whether bias played any role. Law enforcement officials have indicated that federal involvement would depend on evidence meeting federal statutory requirements.

The criminal case is expected to proceed through arraignment and pretrial hearings, where prosecutors must outline the basis for the charges and the defense can contest the allegations.

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information, video, or photographs from the area and time of the incident to contact investigators, as the court process moves forward following the grand jury’s indictment.