Phoenix police officer recuperating from shootout grateful for support

PHOENIX — A Phoenix policeman who was shot and critically wounded during a traffic stop a week ago is back home and said he was looking forward to returning to the job.

In an audio message posted Thursday on the department’s social media accounts, Officer Adrian Cruz said, “I have a long road to recovery, but I can’t wait to go back to work and … serve the community.”

Cruz directed his comments to numerous well-wishers, sharing his gratitude for the support as he recuperated at home from what Chief Jeri Williams called an ambush Aug. 16 near Cave Creek and Cactus roads. He was released from the hospital Thursday.

It was a record 34th officer-involved shooting in Phoenix of the year.

The 27-year-old had been trying to stop a man who had been “driving erratically,” police said. When Cruz finally got the driver to stop at a light and approached him, the 41-year-old man began firing.

Cruz managed to hit the suspect with return fire. The suspect was taken into custody and is still hospitalized.

We wanted to update you on Officer Adrian Cruz. Officer Cruz was shot and critically wounded during a traffic stop last Thursday. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Officer Cruz wanted to share a personal message with you, our community. pic.twitter.com/Jx2f8IfuX8

— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) August 24, 2018

“This has been one of the most difficult moments in my life and also for my family,” Cruz said in the statement.

“Having your support in this has made this a bit easier.”

Cruz, who works out of the Desert Horizon precinct and the suspect were taken to HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center.

He has been on the job for a little more than a year.

The City Council voted to authorize funding for an independent study on the increase in police shootings in the city.

Williams said the Cruz’s shooting was another example of why the study was needed.

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