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Phoenix Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Samuel Schnee in Bonfire Explosion That Injured Young Woman

Samuel Schnee, 24, was arrested Nov. 6 in connection with an Oct. 30 bonfire explosion near 67th Avenue and North New River Road that left a young woman with severe facial injuries and several others with minor injuries. He faces aggravated assault and endangerment charges.

Phoenix Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Samuel Schnee in Bonfire Explosion That Injured Young Woman

Phoenix police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a bonfire explosion last month that seriously injured a young woman and left several others with minor injuries.

Samuel Schnee was taken into custody without incident on Nov. 6, according to police. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and endangerment.

The explosion happened around 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 30 in the area of 67th Avenue and North New River Road, near West Saddle Mountain Road. Officers responding to a report of a person injured by an explosion found a young woman suffering from significant facial injuries. Several other people at the scene were treated for minor injuries.

Investigators say a large group of juveniles and young adults had gathered around a bonfire when someone threw an object into the flames. About three to five minutes later, the object exploded, causing the woman's injuries and hurting others nearby.

Detectives identified Schnee as the suspect through evidence gathered during the investigation. Police did not say what object was thrown into the fire or what relationship, if any, Schnee had to the victim or others at the gathering.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Phoenix police.

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