On Sept. 13 in North Scottsdale, 21-year-old Juan Hoffman says he was shot in the back after knocking on 80-year-old Patrick McBride's door to ask for water while working a door-to-door sales shift. Hoffman's account and arrest documents say McBride allegedly went home, retrieved a 9mm pistol, confronted Hoffman while he searched for a lost wallet on a Segway, and fired. Hoffman was hospitalized with nonfatal injuries, faces a long rehabilitation while a bullet remains in his body, and a GoFundMe has been launched to help with medical bills. McBride was arrested, pleaded not guilty, and is due to stand trial in early 2027.
Door-to-Door Student Asks for Water, Is Shot in the Back; Homeowner Arrested
Yumi Kimura from Yokohama, JAPAN, CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
A routine request for water turned into a life-changing shooting in North Scottsdale on Sept. 13, when 21-year-old student and door-to-door salesman Juan Hoffman was allegedly shot in the back after knocking on an elderly homeowner's door.
What Happened
According to local reports and arrest documents cited by 12News, Hoffman was selling window-cleaning services in a gated neighborhood near Pima Road and Stage Coach Pass when, in roughly 101°F heat, he ran out of water and knocked on the door of 80-year-old Patrick McBride to ask for a drink. Hoffman says McBride responded angrily and told him he was "not allowed to be here." Hoffman apologized, said "God bless," and left without water.
Before leaving the neighborhood for lunch, Hoffman realized his wallet was missing. He stayed to retrace his route on a Segway. Arrest documents allege McBride went home, retrieved a 9mm pistol from a safe, and left his residence with his wife to look for Hoffman. When McBride encountered Hoffman on the Segway, the encounter escalated.
Confrontation and Shooting
Hoffman says McBride showed a concealed firearm and, when Hoffman turned to leave, McBride fired. Hoffman described the shot as overwhelming pain in his legs and said he initially "couldn't move" and felt "fuzzy." McBride's wife reportedly called 911 and told dispatchers her husband had shot Hoffman; first responders transported Hoffman to a nearby hospital, where he was stabilized.
Hoffman: "He pretty much went to his house, grabbed a gun, and hunted me down. I don't understand how that's self-defense."
In his account to police, McBride said he saw Hoffman with an arm raised and feared for his safety; he told investigators he fired when Hoffman was about two feet away but maintained he did not intend to shoot. Authorities arrested McBride; he faces charges including serious physical injury, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct involving a weapon. McBride has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear at trial in early 2027.
Injuries and Outlook
Hoffman's injuries were not fatal, but he now faces a long recovery. A student-athlete, he said he must relearn how to walk and that a bullet remains lodged in his body. He also expressed concerns about longer-term effects on his mobility and life plans. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help cover medical expenses.
This account is based on media reporting and arrest documents; allegations and claims are included as described by authorities and the individuals involved.
Help us improve.
