Two Phoenix Police officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries after a physical altercation with a suspect who was shot and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene yesterday evening. The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. near the intersection of 37th and Glendale avenues, in the vicinity of a Dollar Tree store. FOX 10 Phoenix reports that the officers were responding to a trespassing report when they were directed to the location of the suspect inside the business.
Upon arrival, the involved man reportedly retreated to the store's storage area, where he climbed on top of a cooler. Despite commands to descend, the suspect refused to comply, resulting in a confrontation between him and the officers. It was during this struggle that the man is alleged to have taken control of one of the officer’s Tasers, prompting the officers to open fire. AZ Family detailed that the fatal encounter extended from the storage section into the main shopping area of the store.
The officers involved were later taken to a hospital with injuries sustained from the conflict. Sergeant Phil Krynsky of the Phoenix Police conveyed that the officers provided immediate care to the suspect after the shooting; however, he was declared deceased at the location. The identity of the man has not been disclosed as authorities continue to investigate.
After the incident, the area was secured while investigators worked to reconstruct the events leading to the fatal confrontation. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Police Department has not yet provided additional details about the officers' condition or the ongoing investigation.
