Phoenix police officer shoots 69-year-old accused of pointing gun at helicopter

A Phoenix police officer shot a 69-year-old man Monday night after the man allegedly pointed a handgun at a police helicopter, authorities said.

About 10 p.m. Monday, Phoenix police responded to a report of an aggravated assault at a QuikTrip near 75th Avenue and Van Buren Street. The caller said the suspect pointed a handgun before driving away from the scene.

Police eventually tracked down the suspect’s vehicle in an empty lot at 79th Avenue and Van Buren Street.

A police helicopter crew spotted the suspect — whose name has not been made public — standing next to his vehicle. After the man aimed his handgun toward the helicopter, an officer fired his rifle, police said.

The suspect received first aid from officers before paramedics took him to a hospital. Police described his injuries as life-threatening.

No officers or bystanders were injured.

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