A Phoenix police officer and his partner were critically injured after being shot by a suspect in a car break-in in central Phoenix, according to authorities.
Michael Sullivan, interim Phoenix police chief, said at a press conference late Tuesday that one officer was battling for his life and the other was saved from serious damage thanks to his ballistic vest.
Sullivan said one suspect was in custody.
He stated that the officers observed a person attempting to break into a vehicle. They pursued on foot, and the suspect leaped a fence before firing a weapon, Sullivan claimed.
Phoenix police conducted a huge search near 16th Street and McDowell Road following the shooting around 6:30 p.m. Officers using flashlights stopped and searched cars on side streets in a nearby residential neighborhood.
Because of the police presence, the off-ramps for State Route 51 in both directions were closed at McDowell Road.
At about 8:55 p.m., Phoenix police said one suspect had been detained in connection to the incident.
Sullivan was joined at the press conference by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, City Manager Jeff Barton, and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
He claimed it was the 11th time this year that Phoenix police officers had been the subject of gunfire.
“What happened tonight is senseless,” Sullivan added. “It makes me angry. I hope you understand how angry I am.”
Sullivan, who said he spent the overnight at the hospital, said it was too early to offer information on the cops or specifics about what transpired on Tuesday night.
He stated that he spoke with the cop who suffered less severe injuries and that he was “traumatized.”
Earlier, Phoenix City Councilmember Ann O’Brien commented about the shooting on the social networking platform X.
“Two of our cops were shot while responding to a plea for help. “Make no mistake, the suspects will be apprehended and brought to justice,” O’Brien stated. “When people and institutions continue to demonize police officers across the country, it simply encourages criminals. #BackTheBlue”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also posted about the shooting shortly after 9:10 p.m., stating that state troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety were ready to assist Phoenix with the investigation.
“I am devastated by the news. Hobbs tweeted, “My thoughts are with the officers, their families, and the entire law enforcement community at this time.”
