PHOENIX (Arizona, US), Sept 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Phoenix police officer was in critical condition after he and his partner were shot by a person they suspected of a car break-in in central Phoenix, authorities said.
One officer was fighting for his life, while the other was saved from serious injury by his ballistic vest, Michael Sullivan, interim Phoenix police chief, said at a news conference.
One suspect was in custody, Sullivan said.
He said the officers spotted a person who appeared to be attempting to break into a vehicle. They pursued him on foot, and the suspect jumped a fence before firing a weapon, Sullivan said.
After the shooting about 6:30 p.m., Phoenix police conducted a massive search in the area near 16th Street and McDowell Road. About 8:55 p.m., Phoenix police said one suspect was detained in relation to the shooting.
Sullivan was joined at the news conference by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, City Manager Jeff Barton and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
He said it was the 11th time this year that Phoenix police officers had been the target of gunfire.
Sullivan said he had spent the evening at the hospital and spoke with the officer with the less severe injuries, saying he was “traumatized.”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs posted about the shooting just after 9:10 p.m. and said state troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety were ready to assist Phoenix with the investigation.
“I’m devastated by this news. My thoughts are with the officers, their families and the entire law enforcement community at this time,” Hobbs wrote. — NNN-AGENCIES
