6 seniors attacked inside Tempe, AZ community center, man arrested

( Post Millennial )

Police arrested a 62-year-old man after six senior citizens were assaulted Wednesday morning inside a Tempe community center, authorities said.

Tempe Police confirmed that Derek Kirven is in custody following the incident at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center, which occurred around 11:30 am. The facility is located on Orange Street, just west of Loop 101. "We’re aware of a serious assault at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center. Police have arrested 62-year-old Derek Kirven. Six seniors were hurt, and at least one was taken to the hospital. There is no ongoing threat. Our thoughts are with everyone affected."

According to police, Kirven was confronted by staff twice after it was discovered he was not a member of the center. During the second interaction, he was told to leave the building. Investigators say Kirven then became violent and attacked multiple seniors inside the facility.

On-site security detained Kirven until Tempe police officers arrived and took him into custody. As of Wednesday afternoon, he had not yet been booked into the Maricopa County jail, according to AZ Family.

Of the six elderly victims, at least one was transported to a hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries sustained by the others has not been released.