Robbery suspect who was hit by Phoenix Police SUV goes from hospital to jail

PHOENIX – An armed robbery suspect who was hit by a Phoenix police SUV was released from the hospital and taken to jail over the weekend, authorities said.

Eddy Ortega Romero, 28, was injured while being taken into custody on June 7, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Ortega Romero was booked into the Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail on Saturday on seven counts, including burglary, aggravated assault and prohibited weapon possession. His bond was set at $150,450.

He is accused of stealing a housekeeper’s purse from a hotel near 48th Avenue and McDowell Road and brandishing a gun.

Officers located a man matching the armed robbery suspect’s description at a gas station at 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road.

How was Phoenix armed robbery suspect taken into custody?

Ortega Romero ran onto McDowell Road when police tried to stop him and allegedly reached into his shorts for a handgun. That prompted an officer to hit the suspect with his patrol vehicle.

While Ortega Romero’s leg was pinned under the tire of the SUV, officers removed a gun from his shorts.

He was taken to a hospital to be treated for an ankle injury.

The officer who drove into the suspect is the subject of criminal and administrative investigations.

The Phoenix Police Department released a critical incident briefing video about the case last week.

“Conclusions about whether the actions of the officer are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until the facts are known and the investigation is complete,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said in video.

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