Phoenix

Mystery 'Critical Incident' Brings Cops Swarming 38th and Thomas

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Published on March 22, 2026
Mystery 'Critical Incident' Brings Cops Swarming 38th and ThomasSource: X/Phoenix Police

Phoenix police set up a staging area near 38th Street and Earll Drive on Sunday as officers converged on what the department called a “critical incident” in the nearby area of 38th Street and Thomas Road. The situation first surfaced on the department’s official X account, and officials did not immediately release any information on injuries, arrests, or what sparked the response.

What Officials Posted

According to Phoenix Police, “Staging will be 38th St & Earll Dr.” The post described the situation as a “critical incident” in the area of 38th Street and Thomas Road and noted that a public information officer was on scene. Aside from that brief update, the department did not share any additional details in the initial post.

Why This Part Of Phoenix Is In Focus

The Thomas Road corridor has seen several major police and emergency responses in recent weeks, including shootings and serious crashes. Earlier this month, ABC15 reported on a shooting near 35th Avenue and Thomas Road, and Arizona's Family covered a severe crash near 83rd Avenue and Thomas Road. Together, those incidents highlight how busy the east-west artery is and how often first responders are called to the stretch.

What To Expect And How To Stay Safe

Officials are asking residents and drivers to steer clear of the immediate area while officers work the scene and to rely on official updates from the department. The Phoenix Police account directs people to call 911 for emergencies and 602-262-6151 for non-emergency situations. For background on ongoing investigations and previous incidents, the City of Phoenix maintains an archive of police media advisories. We will update this article as the department or local outlets release more information.