Phoenix Police Shooting: Man Hit Officer, Pulled Gun, Cops Say

PHOENIX, AZ — Police responding to a burglary report in Phoenix shot a suspect who pulled a gun on pursing officers during a foot chase and struggle, police said. Police were called to Monte Vista Road and 32nd Street around 8 a.m. Sunday, police Sgt. Alan Pfohl told reporters.

As officers were heading to the scene they learned the suspect was in the backyard of a home he once lived in and that the homeowner, whom he had a previous relationship with, had taken out a protection order against him. Police also learned there were multiple warrants out for the suspect's arrest, one of which was for a misdemeanor offense.

But the suspect saw police arrive, Pfohl said, so he jumped a fence and fled the area. Police gave chase and followed him to an apartment complex. One officer caught the suspect and a struggle ensued, during which the officer was hit in the head, Pfohl said. At that point the officer decided to push the suspect away and tried to pull out a stun gun.

When the suspect saw the officer try to pull out a stun gun, the suspect pulled a gun from out of his waistband, Pfohl said, and then pointed it at the officer. The officer dropped the stun gun, pulled out his own gun and shot the suspect a couple times, Pfohl said. The suspect was hospitalized and had to undergo surgery for the gunshot wounds. He did not return fire.

The officer did not suffer any major injuries, Pfohl said. The suspect was only identified as a 58-year-old man. His condition wasn't immediately known.

Further details weren't immediately released.

Photo credit: Renee Schiavone, Patch