PHOENIX — A man is in critical condition following a police shooting near 7th Street and Bell Road Monday afternoon.
Around 4:40 p.m., authorities were called to the area in regards to an individual throwing rocks and bottles at businesses and vehicles, according to Phoenix police.
Police on scene located the man, who then ran across Bell Road carrying a river rock and went to a Chili's in that area.
While still holding the rock, the man attempted to enter the Chili's, according to police.
After ignoring commands, the man was shot by police, who ended up inside the restaurant.
Investigators spent hours collecting evidence outside the Chili's after an officer shot a man.
"The police were speeding pass us. I looked over. One was already in the courtyard and he was shooting at someone,” said Estelita Morgan.
Morgan and her daughter say they were leaving a nearby restaurant when things turned dangerous.
The mom described to ABC15 what she heard.
"A cannon. Boom. A cannon,” added Morgan. "Oh, he was… he's just shooting at something at the restaurant."
Alan Patel says he was inside the Chili's and eating with his brother when he watched the situation unfold.
"It was a shock at first. Like, no one moved for 30-45 seconds. Then, one patron came over and tried to help the suspect,” added Patel.
He says the employees yelled for customers to clear the scene.
As for Morgan, she kept her distance in the parking lot.
"It was happening so fast and so many cars were coming at us. We were trying to get out of the way. I just stopped my car and looked. I could not even think of anything to say. I just looked,” added Morgan.
ABC15 asked police whether the officer felt threatened and why they opened fire on the man as he was running away and holding a rock.
"Again, as our officers are going through it, the investigators go through those details, we are hoping to have some answer to find out what led up to it,” added Sgt. Krynski.
The man was given first aid and was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
No officers or community members were injured, according to police.
