Payson PD: Man shot multiple times at gas station; suspect in custody

PAYSON, Ariz. (FOX 10) - A Strawberry man is recovering in a local hospital after being shot at a gas station in Payson.

Cody Newman, a father of three, was shot three times from behind and the suspect is said to have fired seven shots. He was shot in the shoulder, hip and scapula, with one shot going into his abdomen.

Newman's wife, Christina, says her husband, who trains for Spartan races, has lost feeling on his left side but doctors believe it will come back. She says she was on the phone with Cody when this all happened.

"He said he broke [his] legs [and to] call the cops," Christina said. "I thought he was coming at him in person. I was confused and [then he] said he shot me, he shot me - he was already running away from him."

Christina says that last week, her husband pulled into a gas station pump and asked the suspect to move up because he took up two spaces. After a few exchanged words and looks, the suspect opened fire, shooting Cody from behind.

"He's progressing very well," Christina said. "And my husband is strong - his physical activity has aided him the entire way."

The suspect, 35-year-old Samuel Michael McDonnell, was booked into the Gila County Jail on attempted murder and aggravated assault. The family is asking for help as it will be a long recovery for Cody. They'vet set up a GoFundMe to help with medical costs.

The investigation is ongoing.