PHOENIX (AP) — Prosecutors have decided to dismiss charges against a man suspected in freeway shootings that rattled Phoenix last year.
Maricopa County Attorney's Office spokesman Jerry Cobb said Friday that the office filed a motion to dismiss all charges without prejudice against Leslie Merritt Jr., 21.
In September 2015, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted, "We got him! DPS SWAT team is in custody of the individual suspected of I-10 shootings. Apprehended moments ago."
On Friday, Cobb said authorities and prosecutors identified additional forensic investigation that needs to be completed in order for the case to proceed.
Prosecutors may refile charges.
Merritt was released from jail Tuesday after his judge reduced his bond to zero.
He was allowed to return home under electronic monitoring.
Merritt's defense attorneys have said ballistic tests cast doubt on authorities' claims that he was behind four of the freeway shootings.
The shootings caused panic on Phoenix-area freeways, where 11 vehicles were hit in August and September of 2015. None of the shootings were fatal. Only one related injury was reported -- a 13-year-old girl's right ear was cut when a bullet pierced the windshield of the SUV she was in.