PHOENIX — Police say a suspect accused in a deadly shooting at an Avondale restaurant over the weekend was involved in a series of violent crimes over the past week.
According to court documents, on Monday afternoon, Gabriel Gutierrez, 30, reportedly assaulted a woman, tied her up, and set her home on fire.
Documents show the victim was struck dozens of times with a butane torch and bottle before she was dragged to another room, gagged, and tied up with electrical cords.
Gutierrez then reportedly lit the home on fire and left the scene in an Uber vehicle.
The victim was able to partially free herself from the restraints and escape the burning home, suffering some injuries during the ordeal. Neighbors helped the woman and called for help.
Court documents say Gutierrez reportedly assaulted the victim when she questioned him about a news report showing a homicide suspect vehicle matching one belonging to Gutierrez.
Officials located Gutierrez on Tuesday as he was leaving a casino. When questioned by police, he admitted to assaulting the victim and lighting the torch in an attempt to get her to let go of the bottle. He denied torching the home.
Gutierrez reportedly told officials he was concerned the victim would call police.
During the interview process, police say Gutierrez unlocked his handcuffs with a key hidden in his shorts, forced the door open, and fled a short distance before being apprehended.
Gutierrez also admitted to his involvement in the Avondale shooting and another robbery that took place on Feb 4. In that case, police say Gutierrez assaulted and robbed a man of his money and other items.
Gutierrez was booked into jail on charges including attempted murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, escape, and arson. Other charges are pending.
