(Phoenix) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today the sentencing of Nathaniel Anthony Vensor (11/2002) to 15 years in prison for crimes committed during a shooting on August 1, 2022, in the parking lot of the Chandler Fashion Center Mall.  Last month, Vensor pleaded guilty to five counts of misconduct involving weapons, one count of aggravated assault, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, one count of possession of narcotic drugs for sale, and one count of disorderly conduct, all of which are felonies. 

On August 1, 2022, Vensor’s actions caused the Chandler Fashion Center Mall to be put on lockdown for several hours. In an attempted robbery, Vensor pointed an illegally modified AR-15 style gun at a victim and then proceeded to fire 30 rounds in the victim’s direction and into the air. Vensor then fled the scene, only to return the following day where he was arrested by Chandler Police.  The incident, which was shared widely on social media, caused widespread panic for shoppers and those who saw the video online fearing for their loved ones. At the time of his arrest, Vensor was also in possession of fentanyl pills and cocaine. 

Days prior to the Chandler Mall shooting, Vensor waved a weapon at employees and patrons at a bar in Mesa. Vensor was also on felony probation and a prohibited possessor at the time of the shooting due to an unrelated case in Pinal County. A prohibited possessor is someone who has been convicted of mishandling a weapon and whose rights have not been restored. (See ARS 13-3101A.)

“We are very fortunate that no one was hurt during this selfish and senseless act,” shared County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “This sentence is appropriate for the crime committed and keeps our community safe from a defendant with a violent criminal history.” 

Vensor - Order of Confinement

Vensor - Order of Confinement (2)

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