Chris Caraveo

Independent Newsmedia

A night in Goodyear almost turned deadly between two friends after one of them had thoughts of killing someone, according to records.

The incident occurred Friday night in the area of Indian School Road and the Loop 303, where a 23-year-old man and a juvenile male were initially driving to a house to smoke marijuana, records show.

Jamal Grant (MCSO)

Witnesses called and told police about a fight between two people near the freeway, and that one of them was choking the other.

A male victim later called police, saying he had been shot twice and that the suspect was associated with a White Mustang.

Arriving officers saw two vehicles leave the area and stopped both. One of them was the vehicle the victim described, and was driven by Jamal Rashawn Grant, 23, a friend of the victim.

A witness at the scene confirmed Mr. Grant as the suspect. He refused to talk to police.

This story appeared in the Daily News-Sun May 15 edition. Subscribe at http://dailynewssun.az.newsmemory.com/.

At the hospital, the victim told police that while smoking marijuana with Mr. Grant, the 23-year-old began telling the victim that everyone around him is dying and that he wanted to kill someone “tonight with a smile on his face.”

After Mr. Grant allegedly pulled out a knife from his vehicle and threatened his friend, the victim attempted to leave the area. Mr. Grant then allegedly shot two rounds at the juvenile, who was saved any further harm when a witness drove by and honked her horn. The victim entered her vehicle and the two left the area.

The victim was later treated and released from the hospital, but Officer Lisa Kutis said she doesn't believe he was formally admitted at the time.

Mr. Grant is in jail on a $750,000 bond on charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm within city limits, disorderly conduct and criminal damage.

Ms. Kutis, when asked about witnesses stopping to help someone in a situation like the above, said there is no absolute answer.

"It is based on circumstances and the witness or passerby’s comfort level on how involved they wish to become," Ms. Kutis said. "The top priority of the Goodyear Police Department is the safety of the public. The most important thing is to always report crimes or suspicious activity by calling police. Being a good witness is important, be aware of details such as suspect description, vehicle description, etc."