Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Phoenix Police Officer and Suspect Hospitalized After Police Shooting in Peoria

A Phoenix police officer and a suspect were both taken to a hospital on Friday morning following a police-involved shooting incident in Peoria, Arizona. The officer’s injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, while the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Junior Reyes, did not survive.

Shooting Incident in Peoria

The shooting took place near the intersection of 87th Avenue and Bell Road in Peoria, according to Sgt. Robert Scherer, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department. The incident occurred during the execution of a fugitive investigation, with Reyes being the primary target.

During a news briefing, Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan confirmed that the officer had been released from the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the lower leg. He expressed gratitude towards the officer’s family and fellow officers for their support.

Officer’s Recovery and Support

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who visited the injured officer and spoke with his family, expressed relief over his well-being. She praised the officer’s dedication and referred to him as one of the best in the force. Gallego also acknowledged the challenging nature of law enforcement work and the risk officers face daily.

Chief Sullivan, in his remarks, emphasized the unfortunate loss of life and reiterated the potential for violence against police officers. He revealed that Junior Reyes had a history of violence towards law enforcement officers and was a prohibited possessor.

The Investigation and Future Updates

The Peoria Police Department will lead the criminal investigation into the shooting, while the Phoenix Police Department will conduct an internal investigation to determine if the incident adhered to department protocols, according to Scherer. He also mentioned that within 14 days, a critical incident briefing with body-camera footage would be made available to the public.

Scherer thanked first responders and hospital staff for their prompt and efficient care of the injured officer.

Contributors and Developing Story

Republic reporters Reynaldo Covarrubias and Kye Graves provided additional information for this article. The story is still developing, and readers are encouraged to check back for further updates.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix officer injured, suspect dead after police shooting in Peoria

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