GLENDALE, AZ — Two teens have been arrested in connection to shots being fired at Glendale police officers Monday night.
Officials say it happened just before midnight Monday when officers were called to a neighborhood near 59th Avenue and Bethany Home Road about a possible burglary in progress at a home. Three people were arrested in connection to the burglary Monday night.
While investigating the burglary, the seven officers in the area heard four shots fired and heard a "whizzing" sound near them. Police said they believed they were being shot at, but no vehicles or people were hit.
"You could hear the round, go over there. And they heard three more rounds after that," says Sgt. Randy Steward, Glendale Police Department.
Officers immediately took cover behind their engine blocks. You can hear the 20-year veteran officer breathing a sign of relief when the scene was clear.
Officers got the burglary suspect to safety and continued their investigation. Meanwhile, police say the officers used 'ShotSpotter' technology.
"It's different sound devices that triangulate sound and is able t determine what that fire is from, like fireworks," says Sgt. Steward. "Then it uses that triangular sensor to figure out exactly the pinpoint where the location is."
Turns out, the shooting was one block north at an apartment complex. A security camera captured the two teens exchanging and firing the handgun.
Glendale police announced the arrests of a 13 and a 14-year-old Thursday in connection with the shots fired. They say the older boy admitted to taking the handgun from his mother's dresser, going outside and filming the younger boy firing at the nearby officers.
Video in the player below shows body camera footage of Glendale officers getting shot at Monday:
"It's scary to know that, you know, anything could happen to them when they leave the house," said Jennifer Jones. She's the mother of teenage boys and lives nearby. "I can't believe parents are allowing or letting their kids just do whatever anymore."
The 13-year-old reportedly fired one shot, then the 14-year-old took the gun and shot off several more rounds. The younger boy admitted to police during questioning that he wanted to "murder a police officer."
Police say the 14-year-old admitted to wanting to shoot over the officer's head.
"It's one thing to have this happen," says Sgt. Stewart. "But when we find out later that it's two juveniles, a 13 and 14-year-old that were shooting at you for no apparent reason, I mean, It's appalling. And it's almost 20 years that I've been here. I've never heard of anything like this."
Both teens are facing several felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Ultimately, it will be up to the County Attorney if the teens will be charged as adults. Police say they are still investigating if any parents will be charged for leaving the gun accessible.
