Phoenix PD: Suspect holding 2 people at gunpoint shot by off-duty officer near restaurant
PHOENIX - A man was hospitalized after he was shot by a Phoenix Police officer near 15th Avenue and Camelback Road.
According to Sgt. Andy Williams with the Phoenix Police Department, the off-duty officer, who was still in uniform, was directing traffic on June 3 when he heard a loud commotion coming from the Rally's restaurant parking lot. The officer saw an armed suspect pointing a gun at two people.
"As he approached, the officer pointed his firearm at the suspect and gave commands for the suspect to drop the gun, and the officer fired, striking the suspect and stopping the threat," said Williams.
Williams says the suspect is believed to be 39 years old, and is now in stable condition after initially being taken to the hospital in critical condition. Williams could not say what the suspect's motive was, and several other individuals are being questioned in connection with a separate criminal incident near the shooting.
"We know there was a crime that occurred nearby unrelated to what I'm talking about, with firearms being pointed. We're still trying to figure out what everyone's role in that crime was, or how they're related to this incident," said Williams.
As for the officer involved in the shooting, Williams said he has been with Phoenix Police for four years. No officers were injured.
This is the eighth Phoenix Police shooting in 2021. At the end of May 2020, there were seven police shootings in Phoenix.
Nearby resident reacts
Jesus Vega, who lives in the area, arrived home from work to see crime scene tape and police lights in his neighborhood.
"Definitely frustrating man," said Vega. "I have two girls. One is two, the other one turned six about a month ago, so definitely seeing all the crime happening here around town, here in the neighborhood that we live in, it doesn't make you feel safe at home."
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