PHOENIX — A suspect has died and a Phoenix officer has serious injuries after a shooting near 10th Street and Southern Avenue Tuesday.
The incident happened around 3 a.m.
Police say two officers who were in a police vehicle attempted to pull over the suspect who was riding a bicycle.
The officer on the passenger side exited the vehicle and a fight broke out between the suspect and the officer. During the altercation, Phoenix police officials claim the man pulled out a handgun and fired it at the officer, striking him the leg.
At that time, the second officer came around and fired at the suspect. The suspect ran a short distance but was stopped by police.
The injured officer was taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition.
The suspect died at a hospital.
He was identified Wednesday morning as 48-year-old Sergio Francisco Alvarez.
This incident marks the 27th shooting involving law enforcement officials across the Valley that ABC15 has recorded so far this year. By this date last year, we recorded 30 law enforcement-involved shootings.
Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) President Darrell Kriplean issued the following statement:
This morning, another Phoenix Police Officer was violently attacked by a felon with a gun. The suspect had no issue pulling a gun on uniformed officers who were on patrol in the middle of the night ensuring the safety of our community.
This incident, once again, demonstrates the dedication to duty our officers exhibit every day. After the suspect pulled a gun on them, they attempted to wrestle the firearm away from him and take him into custody. This suspect was determined to try and kill an officer. Fortunately, the officers were well-trained in how to respond to this type of attack and the suspect was unable to carry out his plan. Thankfully this was a 2-officer unit, and the partner officer was able to defend him and his partner.
Anytime a community members life is lost it is tragic. But this community member chose to respond to the police interaction with violence and the intent to do harm.
We appreciate the outpouring of community support and ask that you keep our injured officer in your thoughts and prayers.
