MESA, AZ- A CVS Pharmacy employee tragically lost his life after being shot multiple times inside the store in Mesa, Arizona, on Thursday evening. The victim, identified as 49-year-old store manager Michael Jacobs, was found by police officers responding to the incident around 8 p.m. near Brown Road and Mesa Drive. The suspect, 38-year-old Jared Sevey, was described by witnesses as behaving strangely before the shooting occurred. A 911 caller was able to provide a description of Sevey, aiding police in their search. Jacobs was quickly transported to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Earlier that day, Sevey had been in the store and had a dispute with Jacobs over an alleged shoplifting incident. Sevey claimed that Jacobs had made a swing at him and missed, according to the police. Following the altercation, Sevey reportedly returned home, retrieved a firearm, and instructed his daughter to go to her grandmother’s house if he did not return.
Upon his return to the CVS, Sevey, now armed, allegedly instructed an employee to summon Jacobs and to evacuate the store. Surveillance footage showed Sevey drawing his weapon as Jacobs approached the front of the store. Witnesses reported hearing four gunshots as Jacobs attempted to flee from Sevey, who pursued and continued firing at him.
Local law enforcement, reviewing surveillance footage from the area, spotted Sevey crossing the street. They tracked him down near Mesa Drive and Brown Road, where they observed him discarding a firearm into a canal. Sevey, who was covered in blood, was promptly apprehended by the police. During his interview with the police, Sevey confessed to shooting Jacobs, stating he was “fed up with being bullied” and that this incident was “the last straw.” Court documents reveal that Sevey also told officers, “I’m guilty,” “I planned it,” and made a derogatory comment about the deceased.
Sevey, who has a criminal history including assault, disorderly conduct, burglary, shoplifting, and aggravated DUI, was not legally permitted to own a firearm. He has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.