Phoenix police officer shot multiple times, expected to survive due to bulletproof vest

PHOENIX — A Phoenix police officer was shot multiple times Tuesday afternoon but is expected to survive in part due to her bulletproof vest, authorities said.

Two people were arrested in connection with the shooting, which occurred in the area of 40th Avenue and Pollack Street at about 12:30 p.m, the Phoenix Police Department said in a press release.

Each will be booked on multiple felonies.

The officer was rushed to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and is in stable condition, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

“As a city, we need to do better,” Assistant Police Chief Michael Kurtenbach said during a press conference. “We have to address this crime that is plaguing our officers and this city.”

The officer, a 19-year-veteran of the force, was the ninth shot in Phoenix since December, according to Kurtenbach.

“I’m angry that yet another one of our officers was shot,” Councilmember Ann O’Brien said during a press conference.

The incident occurred when the officer was following up on a crime gun investigation inside of an unmarked car, authorities said.

The suspects’ vehicle arrived and slowed down next to the officer’s car before continuing down the road.

The same vehicle returned a short time later and stopped behind the officer’s car. Two men exited the vehicle with guns drawn and pulled masks over their faces, authorities said.

The officer saw the men and put on her ballistic vest before drawing her gun, Phoenix police said.

One of the men was in front of the officer’s car and the other stood outside the passenger door as they began firing into the vehicle, authorities said.

The officer was struck multiple times as she exited the vehicle and was unable to fire back, authorities said.

The two men returned to their vehicle and drove away while the officer called for help from other police units in the area.

Using assistance from air, patrol and tactical support units, the vehicle was found at a residence near 33rd Avenue and Baseline Road and the men were taken into custody.

There were no injuries to other officers or members of the community.

No other information was available.

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