MARICOPA, AZ — A police officer and a suspect were shot amid a police investigation early Wednesday morning in Maricopa. The suspect has since died from his injuries.
According to Maricopa city officials, the incident started around 1:30 a.m. when officers responded to reports of three people breaking into vehicles near Honeycutt and Hartman roads. The person who reported the break-ins told officers they were following the suspects until one of the suspects threatened them with a gun.
When officers arrived at the scene, the three suspects fled in different directions, including two who hopped a fence and went toward Gila River Reservation land.
Officials say one of the suspects fired a gun at the officers, hitting one officer. That officer was taken to a hospital in stable condition. On July 3, officials said the officer had been released and is recovering at home.
A second officer returned fire and shot one of the suspects. That suspect, identified as a 17-year-old male, died on the way to the hospital, according to Maricopa police.
Two other suspects were taken into custody, including one who is said to be a minor.
Officials say a second 17-year-old male was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including armed robbery and burglary.
A 20-year-old man was arrested and turned over to the Gila River Police Department, where the shooting took place. Charges haven't yet been announced.
