PHOENIX — One person is dead, and three are in police custody following an officer-involved shooting at 16th and Portland streets in Phoenix.
According to Phoenix Police Sergeant Vince Lewis, around 3:10 a.m. on Sunday, officers were in the area of 16th Street and Roosevelt completing an unrelated investigation when they noticed a group of juveniles or young adults drinking and walking through the streets.
One of the suspects threw a bottle at a passing car, police say. When officers attempted to make contact with the suspects, police say members of the group dispersed into different directions.
One officer followed a suspect, who was believed to be armed, to 14th Street and Portland, where officers say gunfire was exchanged. Sometime during the exchange of gunfire, the suspect, a Native American male, was struck, said Phoenix police.
The suspect made it out to 16th Street at the I-10 exit ramp where he tried opening the doors of a waiting vehicle. The suspect then collapsed in the road. A firearm was located in the suspect’s possession. Life saving measures were attempted by officers, but the suspect was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
It was initially reported that the suspect was struck by a vehicle after collapsing in the roadway. "This was based on initial reports which the investigation has revealed may have been errant," said Lewis. "Although the suspect was struck by gunfire, cause of death will ultimately be determined by the Medical Examiner."
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Another suspect was located during a search of the area, police say. A K-9 and taser were both deployed, and the suspect was taken to the hospital and later transported to police headquarters for questioning.
Two additional suspects were located and are now in police custody.
No officers were harmed, according to police.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC15 for updates.
