Man left in critical condition after Phoenix officer-involved shooting

PHOENIX — An investigation is underway after a man was left in critical condition following an officer-involved shooting in Phoenix on Sunday morning, authorities said.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded around 2 a.m. to a call regarding community members hearing gunshots in the area of 38th Street and Thomas Road.

Upon arrival, officers heard gunshots in the area, and a Phoenix police helicopter was deployed to identify where the shots were coming from.

Police said that as the helicopter arrived, a man was seen raising a firearm and firing shots at the helicopter. Additional officers were then called to the scene.

As the additional officers arrived at the scene, the helicopter guided them to the man’s location, which was in the backyard of an apartment complex.

“As officers set up containment, the air unit put over the radio once again that the man lifted a firearm and fired multiple rounds at the air unit again. At that time, the officer-involved shooting occurred,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez told reporters Sunday.

Officers were able to detain the man, and Phoenix police drones confirmed he was struck by gunfire in the shooting. He was taken to a hospital, where he is undergoing surgery for his life-threatening injuries, police said.

No officers or community members were injured in the shooting. The helicopter was not hit by gunfire in the incident.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division is investigating the shooting.

No other information was made available.

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