A man from Buckeye has been arrested in connection with an alleged deadly road rage shooting in Tempe that left a father of two dead and his young sons traumatized.
Dustin Jackson, 46, is accused of fatally shooting 29-year-old Steven Bevan during a confrontation near Priest Drive and Warner Road on Monday afternoon.
According to Tempe police, the incident began when Jackson, who was driving a GMC Sierra with his 6-year-old daughter, honked at Bevan for hesitating at a green light. Bevan, driving a Dodge Challenger with his two sons inside, allegedly swerved into Jackson’s lane and slammed on his brakes, according to Jackson.
Investigators said Bevan got out of his car and walked toward Jackson’s truck with his hands raised, yelling. Jackson then opened his door and fired once, striking Bevan in the chest.
According to police, Jackson is 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs around 300 pounds, while Bevan stood about 5 feet, 7 inches and weighed roughly 190 pounds.
Bevan was taken to a hospital, where he died. His two sons, ages 8 and 9, were inside his car and witnessed the shooting. Jackson’s daughter was also inside his truck.
Bevan was unarmed, and the incident was recorded on video by one of his sons, according to reports.
Jackson, who stayed at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and drive-by shooting, though he is claiming self-defense. A judge set his bond at $1 million.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Tempe police.
According to his Facebook page, Jackson grew up in Buckeye and graduated from Buckeye Union High School. His social media also lists ties to the West Valley area, although he apparently no longer lives there.
Bevan’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and support his children. According to the fundraiser, Bevan’s mother says his two boys are now left without their dad and are completely devastated.
"It is with unimaginable pain that I share the heartbreaking news of the passing of my beloved son, Steven Bevan, who tragically left us at just 29 years old. His life ended far too soon, and our family is devastated," wrote Anabel Bevan, the victim's mother. "Steven was a kind, loving, person who leaves behind his precious children."
The GoFundMe account can be found here.
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