A Tempe police officer is currently recuperating after an altercation that resulted in the officer being shot in the leg and the suspect, Matthew Granado, fatally wounded. As reported by AZ Family, the incident took place on Friday evening near the intersection of Rural and Baseline roads in Tempe.
We are working a critical incident in the area of Rural and Baseline. PIO enroute. Media, please stage at Lowe’s. pic.twitter.com/H9i9XjeWQ4
— Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) December 14, 2024
The situation escalated when Granado, who had an outstanding arrest warrant related to drug sales, was noticed by officers at Circle K on Rural Road. After the attempted stop, Granado tried to evade the law, driving across Rural Road and down Lamplighter Lane with police in pursuit. Upon abandoning his vehicle, according to AZ Family, he began running east before opening fire on the officers, hitting one in the leg. The officers returned fire, leading to Granado's death. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed and is part of an "ACTION Team" working in high-crime areas of the city, underwent successful surgery and is in stable condition. "We are grateful that our officer is doing well and that his injuries are not more severe," said Jessica Ells of Tempe Police Department.
As detailed by FOX 10 Phoenix, the area was subsequently cordoned off starting around 7:00 p.m. to allow for investigation. Currently, Mesa police are leading the investigation of this officer-involved shooting, marking it as the 53rd such incident in the Valley and the 89th in Arizona for the year 2024. Updates are anticipated as further developments arise.
