State Glance
TUCSON — The University of Arizona has placed a fraternity chapter under interim suspension for violating hazing policies after a former student claimed he suffered a chemical eye burn and blood infection.
The student initially filed papers that he intended to sue the school in August before amending the claim this month detailing a pattern of physical and emotional abuse by the Theta Chi fraternity chapter.
Students looking to become members of the fraternity were forced to do physical workouts and were kicked in the head and chest, the claim said.
The former student said the eye burn was caused when hot sauce was flung in his eye and he was forced to do push-ups on a floor covered in broken glass. A blood infection was discovered from cuts from the glass, the court filing said.
PHOENIX — Police in
Phoenix are trying to locate a suspect and determine a motive in the fatal shooting of a man.
They say 18-year-old Ethan Devrivera was shot in his vehicle Monday night.
He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police say no suspect or motive has been identified at this time, but there are indications that the incident may be drug-related.
Tucson raises minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21
TUCSON — Tucson is raising the minimum age to buy e-cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21 years old, up from 18, effective Jan. 1.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that the City Council’s 6-1 vote Tuesday night makes the southern Arizona city the fifth in the state to adopt such an ordinance.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors rejected a similar proposal recently, and the Tucson ordinance applies only within city limits.
It will include a 90-day educational period before enforcement begins. The enforcement will be handled by the city’s business services and code enforcement departments.
First-time violations by businesses selling tobacco products to people younger than 21 will be punishable by a $500 fine.
Pima County Sheriff’s deputy accused of shoplifting, fraud
ORO VALLEY — Authorities say a Pima County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested on shoplifting and fraud charges.
The Oro Valley Police Department says 35-year-old Ryan Fuller turned himself in Monday.
Fuller allegedly shoplifted at a Walmart in Oro Valley.
He was arrested on suspicion of one count of organized retail theft and four counts of fraudulent schemes.
Oro Valley police told the Arizona Daily Star that Fuller allegedly was switching barcodes on some store items.
Sheriff’s officials say Fuller has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.