Arizona Mother Faces Felony Charges After Shooting Son Over Video Game Volume

An elderly woman in Arizona has been taken into custody after allegedly firing a weapon at her adult son due to a disagreement over noise levels from video games. The incident occurred on a weekend evening in Mesa, leading to charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and illegal firearm discharge within city limits. Authorities confirmed that the victim, who sustained a gunshot wound, is currently recovering in stable condition.

According to reports, Hazel Benson, aged 72, contacted emergency services shortly after the altercation. She informed officers that she had fired a shot at her son during an argument and discarded the firearm in a nearby canal. Court documents reveal that tensions between the two had escalated earlier in the day when Ms. Benson requested police intervention because she felt disturbed by the volume of her son's gaming activities.

Prior to the shooting, the son reportedly left the house for a walk to cool off following the initial confrontation. When he returned, his mother allegedly barred him from entering the residence. At this point, according to court records, he approached her with clenched fists, prompting her decision to use the gun. It remains unclear whether she realized she had struck him until later.

Following the incident, law enforcement arrived at the scene where they discovered the injured man outside the property suffering from a stomach injury. Medical personnel transported him to a local hospital, where his condition was deemed stable. Further specifics about the family or the event have yet to be disclosed by officials.

Law enforcement emphasized that despite the conflict, both parties legally resided in the home. This case underscores complex dynamics sometimes present within familial relationships while highlighting potential dangers arising from unchecked disputes.