Domestic violence suspect dies after vehicle strikes him and Surprise police officer chasing him on foot

PHOENIX — A domestic violence suspect who fled from police on foot died from his injuries after he and a pursuing officer were struck by a vehicle on Thursday night in Surprise, authorities said.

Rudy Gaitan, 30, died after receiving treatment for his injuries at a hospital, according to the Surprise Police Department.

Before the chase, officers with the Surprise Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the area of Reems Road and Acoma Drive around 10:30 p.m. While officers were on the way, they learned he left the residence on foot and may have had a weapon.

An officer found Gaitan while canvassing the area. Although the officer issued several verbal commands, Gaitan allegedly fled, and the officer chased after him.

As they ran, a vehicle on Reems Road struck them, police said. The driver, who was not injured in the crash, stayed on the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The officer was also hospitalized after the collision, although he has since been discharged.

The Peoria Police Department is investigating this incident in coordination with the West Valley Incident Response Team.

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