Phoenix mechanic nearly hit during officer-involved shooting
Jan 2, 2014, 6:03 PM | Updated: 6:04 pm
PHOENIX — A Phoenix mechanic was almost hit by a stray bullet during a police officer involved shooting on New Year’s Eve near 56th Street and Thomas.
Chuck Parke was working at Tony’s Auto Service when he first heard a siren. Parke then looked up and saw a police chase. To him, it looked like the police car was trying to force another car off the road. It was then, according to Parke, that the car collided with a pick-up truck.
The driver of the pick-up truck got out of his vehicle and stood off the side of the road while the passenger in the car that crashed into his ran off. Parke said the driver got out of the car and initially complied with the police officer’s commands.
It was after the officer’s approach, Parke said, when a struggle ensued. The pick-up truck driver tried to assist the cop. But eventually the suspect, identified as Roger Sharp, got control of the officer’s gun.
“That’s when I saw the gentlemen in the pickup truck get shot,” said Parke. “And he spun around and I saw the gun point towards me, I saw the muzzle flash and then I just felt the brick from above my head falling down on my hands. That’s when I kind of ducked, turned around and I then I saw him standing over the police officer and then I saw him take a point-blank shot at him.”
The officer has been identified as Scott Sefranka. He is listed in critical, but stable condition.
For Parke, it was a near miss. He’s back at work.
“Gotta make it through the day,” he said.
For Sefranka and the still unidentified posse member who tried to help an officer in need, we hope for a speedy recovery. For the two suspects, we hope justice is served.