PHOENIX — The man authorities have described as the Phoenix freeway shooter who terrorized the city last year got a huge victory when prosecutors decided to dismiss all charges — for now.

Jerry Cobb, spokesman for the county attorney, said the office filed a motion to dismiss the charges, which include carrying out a drive-by shooting, against Leslie Merritt Jr. This will allow them “the necessary time” to file charges again, Cobb added. He declined to comment further.