Man shot and killed in Phoenix over a cellphone

A man was shot and killed last night in south Phoenix over a cellphone.

Eric Hernandez, 34, was outside a McDonald's restaurant near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road when about 8 p.m. a man approached him and asked to borrow his cellphone, Phoenix police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said in a news release. 

Hernandez gave his cellphone to the man, who then ran away with it. As Hernandez chased after the thief, the man turned around and shot him, Thompson said. 

The gunman ran away from the scene and Hernandez was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries, Thompson stated.

Police have not been able to identify a suspect but think it is possible the assailant hangs around that area often, according to Thompson. 

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6141. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 or 480-480-837-8446 for Spanish.