Suspect shot after firing at Mesa officers, police say

Suspect hospitalized after confrontation with Mesa officers

Mesa Police shot a man on March 15 near University Drive and Alma School while responding to a shooting call in the area.

MESA, Ariz. - A suspect has been hospitalized after being shot by Mesa officers near University Drive and Alma School Road, police said.

Officers had been responding to reports of shots fired in the area at around 7 a.m. on March 15. Witnesses then reported seeing a man running across University "with something in his hands."

"Officers contacted the suspect at 1438 W. University, where he fired a weapon at officers," police said. "One officer returned fire, striking the suspect at least once."

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Kelvbin Harper Jr., was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. A handgun was found near him.

No officers were hurt.

MPD tweeted, "The intersection of Standage and University will be closed for several hours while detectives investigate the officer involved shooting."

University Drive was also shut down between Alma School and Longmore for the investigation. MPD said drivers should use Main Street or Brown Road for east/west traffic.