🌱 Phoenix Man Has Both Work Trucks Stolen + Critical Incident Video

Hi all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 107 Low: 88.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Dan Van, the owner of the Phoenix-based auto transport company Bo's Automotive on Wheels, suffered a devastating blow when both of his work trucks were stolen within a month. With each truck costing between $40,000 and $70,000, the thefts, which took place in south Phoenix near Baseline Road and 35th Avenue, have left Van out of business after just starting to make a profit. Now, he hopes to find employment with another auto transporter while appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of his trucks. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Van during this challenging time. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. Phoenix police released a critical incident video from Jul. 20 of a man who died in their custody near Union Hills Drive and 19th Avenue. The officers involved were described as veterans of the Black Mountain Precinct, and body-worn camera footage showed them attempting to apprehend and communicate with the man before he was handcuffed and later found unresponsive. The incident is under internal and criminal investigation and was the second death in police custody in the Valley that week. (KTAR.com)
3. A large development that was halted due to COVID-19, named Central Park, has been reinitiated with a shift from a commercial to a residential focus. The revised project, adjacent to Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, now proposes multiple apartment and condominium towers, an office tower, a grocery store, senior living spaces, retail and restaurant spaces, and a central open-space plaza. While the project received zoning approval in 2019, further modifications await approval, with a planning hearing scheduled for Aug. 16. (Yahoo! News)

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Today in Phoenix:

Tuesday, August 8

• Jake Chillen'haal - Tranq Flow At Sutra Studios (7:30 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Thunderbird Lounge (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Over 100 riders showed up for a bike ride vigil over the weekend, which was held in downtown Phoenix for a woman named Jordin Miranda Castillo who was killed in a domestic violence shooting. Castillo would have celebrated her 21st birthday on Aug. 5. Click the link to view footage from the memorial. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
• On Saturday, Phoenix welcomed dancers from across the world for the Hip Hop International World Battles competition. Click the link to view photos. (KJZZ)
• The Phoenix Police Department is reminding residents to observe school zone speeds and prioritize public safety, especially now that children are returning to school. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.