Apache Junction officer shot trying to stop stolen vehicle in stable condition

PHOENIX — An Apache Junction police officer who was shot attempting to stop suspects in a stolen vehicle is in stable condition, authorities said Tuesday.

The officer was rushed to a Mesa hospital and was taken into surgery for his injuries, Cpl. Marshall Harshman with the Apache Junction Police Department told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

The officer was identified Wednesday as 29-year-old Brian Brugman. The four-year veteran of the force underwent surgery Tuesday night and was awake and alert Wednesday morning, police said.

One of the suspects was also shot in the exchange of gunfire, police said. The condition of the suspect is unknown.

Authorities had pursued the stolen vehicle earlier in the week but broke off the pursuit for the safety of the community, according to the release.

The vehicle was back in the area Tuesday afternoon with officers making contact with two suspects in the car in a parking lot near Apache Trail and 102nd Street west of Apache Junction.

Police say the suspects tried to ram officers and an exchange of gunfire ensued.

One suspect was taken into custody while the other suspect who was shot was taken to the hospital.

There are no other suspects outstanding, Harshman said.

No other information was immediately available.

It was the first shooting of the year involving the Apache Junction Police Department and 13th overall by Valley law enforcement, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM research.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Debra Dale contributed to this report.

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