Armed suspect fatally shot by police officer in west Phoenix

PHOENIX — A police officer shot and killed an armed suspect in west Phoenix on Thursday night, authorities said.

The fatal shooting occurred around 10:40 p.m. in a Maryvale neighborhood near 75th Avenue and Indian School Road, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The incident began about 20 minutes earlier, when a caller reported that somebody was being harassed by a man who might be armed near 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road.

Officers responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided by the caller.

When officers tried to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle sped off.

What happened when police caught up to armed suspect?

The police department’s Air Support Unit helped track the vehicle to the area of 79th Avenue and Mitchell Drive, where the driver got out and ran into the backyard of a nearby home.

While police were establishing containment on the residence, an officer saw a man matching the description of the driver.

We have had an officer involved shooting in the area of 79th Avenue and Mitchell Drive. The suspect is down and there are no injuries to any officers. This remains an active scene. Please follow this thread for additional info regarding this incident, to include media staging. pic.twitter.com/aeuQ0Cip5Y

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) November 29, 2024

After the man allegedly raised up a handgun, the officer shot him at least once with a rifle, police said.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and a firearm was located. No officers were injured during the incident.

The deceased was identified Monday as 48-year-old Saul Alonso Loya.

No other details were made available.

Follow @KTAR923