2 Phoenix police officers wounded in shooting; suspect arrested

PHOENIX ( NewsNation ) — Two police officers in Phoenix were shot and wounded after approaching a man suspected of breaking into a car Tuesday night.

One of the officers is in stable condition, likely saved by his ballistic vest, while the other is fighting for his life, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

“This is a terrible night for the Phoenix Police Department and for those who love and care for officers and for members of our community,” interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan said at a news conference late Tuesday night after the shooting.

Police said one suspect, found not too far from the scene, is in custody.

The officers responded to a call of someone attempting to break into a vehicle around 6:30 p.m. near downtown Phoenix. When officers arrived, the suspect took off running and jumped a fence; the officers chased the suspect and were shot at, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he spoke to the officer in stable condition: “He was traumatized. He just been shot, and his partner had just been shot.”

The officers’ names haven’t been released, and Sullivan said it was too early to determine if they shot at the suspect.

Sullivan said this incident marks the 11th time this year that Phoenix officers have been shot at in the line of duty.

“What happened tonight is senseless. It angers me. I hope you share my anger,” Sullivan said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.