Phoenix Police Department officials say a man is in the hospital after jumping off an Interstate 17 overpass to flee from officers.
According to police, a suspect was reportedly throwing objects at cars near I-17 and 7th Avenue on Friday morning. He then ran onto the freeway and officers made an attempt to negotiate with him.
The suspect reportedly had a 12-inch knife during the incident and began to undress at one point.
"I had the occasion to look at the knife, I would describe it as a 12-inch boning knife, a very pointed knife that he had, " said Sgt. Tommy Thompson with the Phoenix Police Department.
Police say they continued to try to negotiate with the suspect who crossed over from northbound to southbound lanes of I-17. Police say officers used non-lethal force to try to subdue him, however, it seemed to have no effect.
"An officer shot at him several times with a shot gun loaded with bean bags, struck him several times but it didn't seem to have an effect," Sgt. Thompson said.
The suspect then jumped on top of a vehicle as traffic was slowing and then jumped over a railing, falling to the 7th Avenue roadway below, according to police.
The suspect suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
At this time, police say there is no word on why the suspect was throwing objects at vehicles or why he fled from officers.
Traffic is restricted in the area. Check here for current traffic conditions.
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