5 officers injured in barricade situation
PHOENIX – A man was found dead after police said he shot five officers and a woman in a early Friday barrage in Phoenix involving a child.
At least four other Phoenix officers were injured in the incident by shrapnel, according to police department spokesman Sgt. Andy Williams. Police said the baby was unharmed.
Mr. Williams said the nine injuries to Phoenix police officers could be the most that occurred in a single incident at the department.
Williams said the investigation was “extremely complex” and information could change, but as of 10 a.m. local time, police were investigating two shootings – one of which involved of officers.
Police arrived at the home around 2:15 a.m. Friday after receiving a report of a woman being shot.
The suspect invited the officer to come first inside and then “ambushed” him as he approached the door and shot him “several times,” Williams said. The officers were able to reach safety when the reserves arrived.
Then another man came out of the house holding a baby girl, Williams said. He put the baby on the ground, walked over to the police, and was taken into custody.
As officers tried to get the baby to safety, the suspect shot four officers, Williams said. Four others were injured by shrapnel.
Two officers returned fire and the shooter then barricaded himself inside the home, Williams said.
The scene has been secured and the suspect – who has not been identified as of Friday morning – was found dead in the home.
Williams said a woman was also seriously injured in the home. She remained in critical condition as of Friday morning, Williams said.
According to Williams, the suspect is believed to be the woman’s ex-boyfriend and the baby is believed to be their child. He has no information on whether police have responded to the house before.
The five Phoenix officers who were shot were taken to the hospital, where a large police presence continued Friday morning.
The first officer was wounded “most severely” but is expected to survive, Williams said. Four other officers were shot with non-life-threatening injuries.
Four people suffered minor injuries from shrapnel. Earlier, Williams said they remained at the scene until the matter was resolved.
Williams said it would “take some time” to determine how the suspect died and the motives were not immediately clear. Williams said the man’s identity would not be released until next relative’s announcement is complete.
The shooting comes just two months after another Phoenix police officer, Tyler Moldovan, was shot multiple times during an investigation. He has been discharged from the hospital since then but was taken to another medical facility for rehabilitation.
“This is just one more example of the dangers our officers face every day to keep us and our communities safe,” Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said in a statement. press conference at 6 a.m. outside Banner University Medical Center.
“If I seem upset, then I will,” she continued.
Governor Doug Ducey in a tweet said Friday his office is working closely with Phoenix police for updates on the officers’ situation and conditions.
“Our men and women in blue work day and night – whatever the circumstances – to protect our nation from danger,” the tweet said. “Their courage and unwavering sacrifice kept us safe. Arizona is beyond grateful.”
Contribution: Associated Press