Wanted Arizona Homicide Suspect May be in Beaverton: Police

Police believe that a suspect who's wanted in connection with the shooting death of an Arizona schoolteacher traveled to Beaverton in the days since the incident.

Caleb Bartels, 27, is wanted in connection with the fatal Sunday morning shooting of math teacher Ryan Zahner, 26, in his Mesa, Arizona, backyard, according to an ABC10 report. Bartels is considered armed and dangerous and since the homicide, has been traced to Sacramento, California; Reno, Nevada; and Beaverton, Oregon.

ABC15 News reported Tuesday evening that Tempe, Arizona, police have charged Bartels with robbery, assault and premeditated murder despite that he was not in their custody. The article cites court documents in that Bartels and Zahner knew one another and were roommates in the past.

"The night he was killed, authorities say Zahner was in his backyard after a friend built a fire," the story said. "Someone entered the yard with a gun and told the two to put their hands up. The suspect fired 3-4 shots, hitting Zahner several times in the torso."

Bartels's Description:

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches
• Weight: 165 pounds
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Green
• Vehicle: 2007 silver Pontiac Grand Prix; Arizona license plate number BSK8972

Contact the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311 with any information.

Photo courtesy of Tempe Police Department.