Officers shoot woman who allegedly refused orders to drop knife in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Police officers shot and wounded a woman after she allegedly refused to drop the knife she was carrying in east Phoenix early Monday, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. near 40th Street and Indian School Road in the Arcadia Lite neighborhood, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The suspect reportedly had been standing in the roadway while carrying a knife. She allegedly swung the knife at a person who asked if she needed help. That person called police.

She was still holding the knife when officers arrived and gave her commands to drop the weapon.

When she didn’t comply with the orders, officers tried to subdue her with a less-lethal projectile. But the 40mm impact round had no effect.

“She continued walking toward an occupied structure, and this is when the officer-involved shooting occurred,” Sgt. Jen Zak said in a media advisory.

Officers took the wounded suspect into custody after the shooting and recovered the knife.

The Phoenix Fire Department took the her to a hospital to be treated for injuries that aren’t considered life-threatening.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is handling the investigation into the incident.

Indian School Road was closed in both directions between 40th and 42nd streets through the morning rush hour.

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