Peoria officers shoot suspect after he allegedly pulled out gun

PHOENIX – Peoria police officers shot and wounded a suspect who allegedly pulled a gun on them early Wednesday, authorities said.

Anthony Sesmas, 41, was taken to a hospital in stable condition, according to the Peoria Police Department. When released, he will be booked into jail on outstanding warrants as well as new felony charges.

Sesmas has a criminal record with multiple arrests starting in 2007, according to court and prison records. He was released from prison in January after serving time for armed robbery.

What led up to Peoria officers shooting suspect?

The shooting occurred around 3:20 a.m. during an investigation into a stolen vehicle.

Responding officers stopped a suspected stolen U-Haul truck after it entered a trailer park on 91st Avenue just north of Peoria Avenue.

The woman driving the truck was taken into custody, but a passenger later identified as Sesmas ran away.

When police located the suspect near 89th and Peoria avenues, he allegedly pulled out a gun. That prompted two officers to shoot at him.

A firearm was found at the scene after the shooting, police said. No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.

Peoria Police are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting in the area of 89th Ave. and Peoria Ave. The roadway is closed from 89th Ave. to 91st Ave. while officers remain on scene.

Please avoid the area and use alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/KS9ZhS5ntS

— Peoria Police (AZ) (@PeoriaPoliceAZ) November 26, 2025

Peoria Avenue was closed between 89th and 91st avenues while the scene was under investigation.

The Buckeye Police Department will investigate the shooting as part of the West Valley Investigative Response Team.

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