TEMPE, Ariz. — A violent group assault near Arizona State University has led to multiple arrests and left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident, which occurred on September 28, is under investigation by the ASU Police Department.
According to court documents, the altercation began in a dorm room at Hassayampa Academic Village, where the victim and a friend encountered a group of unknown males. Following a brief confrontation sparked by a physical shove from one of the assailants, the group left the dormitory.
As the victim exited the building later, surveillance footage captured the moment when five to six males approached him from across the street. The footage reportedly shows one individual throwing the first punch, which escalated into a brutal attack. The victim attempted to defend himself, but the assault quickly intensified as additional assailants joined in, overwhelming him with multiple blows while holding him down.
The violent encounter ultimately ended when a bystander intervened, but the victim sustained significant injuries, including a broken nose and a head injury. He was admitted to the hospital and placed in the intensive care unit, also suffering from bruises to his abdomen and face.
ASU police have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident: a juvenile and three young men aged 18 and 19. Authorities confirmed that none of the suspects are enrolled at the university. They are currently facing aggravated assault charges, with prosecutors recommending additional charges under “Preston’s Law.” This new law addresses offenses involving group attacks and is named after a young man killed in a similar incident two years ago.
Although initial police reports did not include charges under Preston’s Law due to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing system updates, officials have indicated that these charges may be forthcoming.
In a related development, it has been revealed that one of the suspects, Justin Michael Otis, is the son of a sitting Maricopa County judge. This familial connection has prompted the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to recuse itself from the case, transferring it to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office to avoid any conflict of interest.
The three adult suspects have been granted secured appearance bonds of $10,000. ASU police stress that their investigation is active and progressing, with updates expected as more information becomes available.