Chaos Outside Casey Moore’s: Tempe Police Investigate Daytime Shooting Involving Two Men and a Woman Near Popular ASU-Area Restaurant
TEMPE, AZ — A peaceful Saturday afternoon in Tempe was abruptly shattered when a shooting broke out near the well-known Casey Moore’s Oyster House, leaving one man hospitalized and prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. The incident has left the community stunned and reignited conversations around public safety in the bustling college town.
According to the Tempe Police Department, the shooting occurred just before 3:00 p.m. on May 3, 2025, in the parking lot outside the popular bar and restaurant located at 850 S. Ash Avenue. Witnesses reported a confrontation involving two men and a woman that quickly escalated into gunfire. One man, believed to be in his 30s, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Emergency responders rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition by early evening. Police confirmed that the shooter fled the scene in a white sedan and remains at large. The incident, while isolated, has deeply unsettled patrons and residents in the area, many of whom were dining or walking nearby when the gunshots rang out.
Tempe Police have stated that they do not believe the public is in immediate danger, but the suspect’s identity and motive remain under investigation. Officers have reviewed security camera footage from surrounding businesses and are appealing to the public for additional information that could lead to an arrest.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House, a fixture of Tempe’s social scene and a favorite among Arizona State University students, was briefly closed as police processed the scene. By Saturday evening, crime scene tape still surrounded parts of the lot, with investigators continuing their work into the night.
Local residents have expressed concern about the rise in violence around nightlife hotspots. “This is one of the last places I’d expect something like this,” said one ASU student who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s a popular place for students, alumni, and even families. It’s really scary.”
Tempe Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the suspect or vehicle to contact them immediately at (480) 350-8311 or through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377).
As the investigation continues, community members are left hoping for a swift resolution and reflecting on the safety of shared public spaces in a city known for its vibrancy and youthful energy.