Suspect bond set for $1 million in AZ freeway shootings case

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety says they have made an arrest in the Arizona Freeway Shootings Case. On Saturday, the suspect made his first court appearance.

Authorities arrested 21-year-old Leslie "Les" Merritt Junior, Friday evening at a WalMart located near 57th Avenue and Northern Avenue.

Investigators forensically linked Merritt Junior to the weapon used in the first four shootings on August 29 and August 31. On Saturday, Merritt, Jr., made his initial appearance in court. The judge set his bond at $1 million, and Merritt spoke up in court, saying he has two children and could not afford the bond. Merritt also claimed he was innocent during the hearing, saying "I'm the wrong guy."

Governor Doug Ducey tweeted the update to the case just after the arrest.

FOX 10 spoke with a source in the DPS command staff who says Merritt Jr. had anti-police and anti-government views, was vocal about his views on social media.

Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio tweeted that DPS located a 9mm handgun that was recently pawned a gun that matched the same as the freeway shootings. The owner and person who panwed it was the same person who is in custody.

From PD: Freeway shooter case: 4 confirmed incidents from same 9mm handgun. DPS located 9mm handgun recently pawned at...

Police were seen impounding a dark grey colored Saturn from the WalMart parking lot. A woman was also taken into custody.