Phoenix explosion: Teen girl suffers facial fractures after shock absorber detonates in bonfire
Police are searching for a suspect aged 16 to 25 who is accused of throwing a car part into flames near Lake Pleasant, leaving a 16-year-old victim hospitalized for surgery.
By Ivan Dvorak ·
Phoenix police are searching for a suspect who is accused of throwing a vehicle shock absorber into a bonfire, causing an explosion that severely injured a 16-year-old girl near Lake Pleasant. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Friday at a Halloween party located near the intersection of New River Road and Saddle Mountain Road.
Detectives described the suspect as a teen or young man between the ages of 16 and 25. According to the police account, the individual threw the car part into the flames and departed before officers arrived at the scene. While multiple attendees at the gathering were struck by debris, 16-year-old Jaidynn Penberthy sustained the most serious injuries.
Ethan Glass, the victim's brother, stated that Penberthy was standing approximately 10 feet from the fire when the blast struck. He described the scene as having a large amount of blood, comparing it to a horror movie. Glass said that strangers performed lifesaving measures on Penberthy while her friends drove her for medical help and contacted emergency services. One bystander reportedly performed sternum rubs to help restore the girl's pulse, which had been lost for about a minute.
Penberthy suffered a broken jaw, multiple facial fractures, missing teeth, and burns. Glass noted that the shrapnel hit her face directly, striking her mouth, nose, and side of the face. She was airlifted to a burn center where she underwent facial reconstruction surgery. Additional operations are planned for her recovery.
Glass expressed frustration over the incident, saying he does not understand why the suspect would perform the act. He noted that his sister is thankful to be alive but remains confused by the events. Although Penberthy is awake, she is currently unable to speak and communicates by writing. The family has set up a GoFundMe account to assist with her medical expenses.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO.
