Father and Infant Injured After Suicide Attempt Leads to Shooting in Tucson
On the evening of November 5, 2024, Pima County deputies were called to respond to a distressing incident involving a 19-year-old father, Gabriel Huerta, who reportedly threatened self-harm and left his home with his infant son in tow. The case has since become a tragic and complex investigation into a father's desperate state and the horrifying outcome for a child.
At around 5:00 p.m., deputies from the Foothills District received an emergency call about suicidal threats made by Huerta. The call came from family members who were concerned for Huerta's safety after he made alarming statements about harming himself. Authorities were further troubled by the revelation that Huerta had left his home, taking his 9-month-old son along in a red Ford Fusion. The destination of the vehicle was unknown, prompting authorities to begin an immediate search.
The situation escalated when deputies learned that Huerta might be armed and had reportedly expressed intentions not only of taking his own life but also of harming his infant child. This raised the stakes of the search, prompting officers to intensify their efforts.
Within a short time, authorities were able to locate Huerta’s vehicle near Himmel Park, located at the intersection of North Tucson Boulevard and East Hawthorn Street. Deputies positioned themselves strategically around the park, anticipating Huerta's next move. However, the situation quickly became more dangerous when Huerta, upon seeing the officers, fled on foot into a nearby alley.
As deputies followed, multiple gunshots rang out from the direction of the alley. It became clear that the situation had turned violent. Authorities found Huerta and his son shortly afterward. Both had sustained gunshot wounds, with Huerta suffering a self-inflicted wound. Tragically, the infant had also been shot multiple times.
Deputies quickly sprang into action, using Individual First Aid Kits to administer life-saving measures to both Huerta and his son. Despite their efforts, the infant succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a local hospital. Huerta, though still alive at the scene, remained unresponsive and was listed in critical condition.
The case has drawn the attention of multiple specialized units within the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Detectives from the Homicide Unit have taken the lead in the investigation, with support from the Domestic Violence Unit, Crimes Against Children Unit, and the Robbery and Assault Team. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has also provided assistance, deploying a K9 unit to help search for additional evidence, including projectiles and shell casings in the area.
While the details remain scarce, this incident has raised many questions about the tragic intersection of mental health struggles, domestic violence, and the safety of children. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide more updates on the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching case.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of community concern, with local mental health professionals emphasizing the importance of intervention in situations involving individuals expressing suicidal thoughts or showing signs of extreme distress. Several organizations dedicated to suicide prevention and child welfare have urged people to seek help for loved ones in crisis and to be aware of the warning signs that may precede such devastating incidents.
At present, the investigation remains active, with authorities piecing together the full scope of events. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, which underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health and supporting individuals in crisis before it's too late. As more details become available, officials are expected to update the public on the investigation’s findings.
