An incident in Apache Junction resulted in both an officer and a suspect being shot. According to details from a statement released by the Apache Junction Police Department, at around 9:30 a.m., a call came in about a driver allegedly flashing a gun near Ironwood Road and Ray Avenue. An officer located a vehicle matching the reported description.
The driver, a 37-year-old male, exited the vehicle with a weapon in hand and proceeded walking south on Ironwood Road, armed. Despite officers employing less-lethal methods and verbal commands to deescalate the situation, which transpired near Radiance Dr. and Davis Dr., the man opened fire on the police, leading to a shootout. Struck by gunfire, the officer, who has served with the AJPD for three years, was transported to a hospital with critical injuries. The suspect too, injured by shots, was taken to the hospital, his condition currently unknown.
The East Valley Critical Incident Response Team (EVCIRT) has taken charge of the ensuing investigation, with the City of Mesa Police Department as the primary investigating body.
