Suspect dead, police officer injured after exchange of gunfire in Tempe

PHOENIX — A Tempe officer was injured and a suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire on Tuesday night, authorities said.

The shooting occurred after officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a suspect near College Avenue and Curry Road around 9 p.m., according to the Tempe Police Department.

The suspect, 27-year-old Jason Alexander Fox, allegedly opened fire during the stop, which was related to a case of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

One officer was hit by the gunfire. The officers fired back, striking Fox.

Fox was pronounced dead at the scene, which is west of Scottsdale Road and north of Tempe Town Lake.

What injuries did Tempe officer suffer?

The injured Tempe officer was treated for a gunshot wound to the arm at a local hospital and later released.

“Every time an officer is hurt while serving and protecting our city, it resonates throughout our department and the community we serve,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said in a press release. “We are grateful his injuries were not more serious.”

The Mesa Police Department is leading the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team investigation into the incident.

Anybody with information about the case is asked to call the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on Oct. 1, 2024.

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