Woman shot, killed by police after opening fire on officers

Police say a woman was shot and killed by police after she opened fire on officers in Phoenix.

According to the Tempe Police Department, officers were investigating reports of a stolen car in the parking lot of a La Quinta Inn hotel near State Route 143 and University Drive on Thursday night.

When officers arrived at the parking lot, they found a man and woman, and when officers approached them, the couple jumped into the car and sped away.

Police say the man behind the wheel of the reported stolen car rammed police cruisers that were trying to block the couple in the parking lot.

After driving off, police say they spotted the couple picking up their 13-year-old son in Phoenix. The couple then ditched the car and ran into a nearby neighborhood near 48th Street and Southern.

When officers followed them, they encountered the woman, who was armed. She then fired shots at officers, hitting a patrol car.

"Our officers returned fire, the female was struck," a Tempe police spokesperson said. "Life-saving efforts were provided and later [she] was pronounced deceased."

Police say the man was later caught by a K-9 officer and taken into custody. The 13-year-old boy was later found by police.

No officers were injured in the shooting and the suspects have not been identified.