PHOENIX — Two Phoenix officers were shot and wounded by a person suspected of breaking into a vehicle. One is in critical condition and the other is in stable condition, likely saved by his bulletproof vest, police said Tuesday.
One person has been arrested, interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan told a news conference hours after the shooting in downtown Phoenix. He said police do not believe there is an immediate danger to anyone in the community.
“This is a terrible night for the Phoenix Police Department and for those who love and care about our officers and members of our community,” he said.
Sullivan said he spoke to the officer in stable condition: “He was traumatized. He had just been shot, and his partner had just been shot.”
Officers responded to a report of someone attempting to break into a vehicle around 6:30 p.m.
“When they arrived, the suspect ran and jumped a fence,” Sullivan said. “Our officers gave chase and were met with gunfire.”
The names of the officers who were shot have not been released, and Sullivan said it was too early to determine whether they exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The person in custody was found not far from the scene, he said, without elaborating.
Sullivan said the injured officers were surrounded by family members and other loved ones at the hospital.
“Our officers have been confronted by gunfire 11 times this year, protecting and serving this community,” Sullivan said. “What happened tonight is senseless. It makes me angry. I hope you share my anger.”