Man wielding spear shot by Glendale police after charging toward officer

PHOENIX — A 23-year-old man was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being shot by Glendale police on Saturday night, according to authorities.

The incident took place just before 6 p.m. near the intersection of Northern and 59th avenues.

Alexander Mear faces two counts of aggravated assault. Police believe he’s the man who called 911 and made a threat to shoot officers, giving his location.

Officers found a man in the area acting erratically and holding a 3- to 4-foot homemade wooden spear.

Another officer arrived on the scene and saw Mear charging toward an officer, according to police.

Mear didn’t respond to the second officer telling him to drop his weapon and the officer fired several shots at the suspect.

Officers then detained Mear and began providing medical attention.

Mear was still in the hospital Monday in stable condition, police said in an email.

Police say the responding officers were wearing body cameras that were believed to be on and recording.

It was the first shooting of the year involving Glendale police, and sixth overall by Valley law enforcement, according to KTAR News 92.3 FM research.

The investigation is ongoing.

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