TEMPE, ARIZONA — 22-year-old Joseph DeLegge was on his way home from work when he witnessed a hit-and-run crash. What happened next is something no one expected, and led to DeLegge being shot and killed.
The crash involved a black Dodge Dart and a white Hyundai. Right after the wreck, five people got out of the Hyundai and ran away.
DeLgee stopped to help the driver of the Dodge Dart, then police say he left to try and follow the people who ran away from the collision. He was able to catch up with three of them. That’s when police say, “DeLegge removed and displayed a firearm from his waistband and told the three to sit on the curb while he called the police.”
As DeLegge was calling 911, a 17-year-old boy who also fled from the Hyundai arrived at the parking lot. DeLegge turned his attention toward him, displayed the handgun, and told him to sit down.
Police said after DeLegge turned his attention back toward the other three, the 17-year-old removed a revolver from his pants pocket, approached DeLegge and shot him through the right cheek. DeLegge was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
via azfamily.com
Shortly after, police were able to catch up with the teens and arrest the 17-year-old. He has been charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, a minor possession of a weapon under 21, possession of marijuana, possession of a narcotic drug, hit-and-run, and driving on a suspended license.
This incident is a terrible one to say the least, and could have been avoided. DeLegge wanted to help, which is obvious, but put himself in unnecessary danger when doing so. Chasing down anyone, regardless of their age or whether or not you feel they’d be a threat to you, is dangerous territory. It’s even more dangerous when you introduce a firearm into the mix.
There is no way to know who you’re chasing down, if they are armed, or what they are capable of.
This teen obviously had no problem killing in his attempt to stay out of jail. The selfishness of this is beyond description, and this animal needs to be put away for life. Do not pass go.
My thoughts go out to DeLegge’s family, who have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so at this link.
