GLENDALE, AZ — Glendale police say a man remains in critical condition after being shot at an intersection Wednesday night.
Officers responded to a hospital for reports that someone had been assaulted. However, when officers arrived, they found a man who had been shot.
The shooting reportedly took place at the intersection of 51st and Peoria avenues at around 6:15 p.m.
Police say the victim, 26-year-old Hans Schmidt was 'street preaching' for a nearby church when he was shot.
A suspect has not been caught and police say they are actively investigating leads.
According to the Victory Chapel First Phoenix's website, Schmidt is the church's outreach director.
Henry Branch lives in the area and calls the shooting senseless. "I just hate to hear something like this happened here at this church,” Branch said.
The man shot was known to frequently preach at the corner.
"It's preaching to whoever wants to listen. Unfortunately, it's on a very busy corner that already has a tremendous amount of accidents to begin with,” Jesse James said.
James’ business has been a next-door neighbor of Victory Chapel church for nine years.
He was live streaming Wednesday night when he heard a knock at his door from police asking him to evacuate.
James admits, “It's a very challenging corner and so to have that extra distraction is a pretty big thing."
"Who knows why someone would take it out on a preacher like that? Because he's speaking the gospel and the good news to everybody, he's out there helping the community," Branch added.
ABC15 spoke with the pastor's wife and fellow congregants who are very shaken up.
Glendale police believe there are more witnesses to the shooting and are asking them to come forward.
Silent Witness is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
If you have any information regarding the shooting, you are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish-speaking.
Victory Chapel First Phoenix has set up a fundraiser for Branch's family, click here if you would like to donate.
