GLENDALE, AZ — Authorities are searching for multiple men who fled from officers after a fight in a Glendale neighborhood Sunday afternoon prompted police to open fire.
Glendale Police Department spokeswoman Tiffany Ngalula said officers arrived to a call for gun shots just before 1:30 p.m. near 61st and Glendale avenues. Responding patrol units were told people had been fighting in the area.
The suspect vehicle and suspects are currently outstanding and it is unknown if any were injured. PIO is enroute to 61st Ave and Glendale Ave for media staging area.
— Glendale Police (@GlendaleAZPD) April 18, 2021
The first officer on scene reportedly saw an "active gun battle" before a group of four men in their 20s began driving away from the scene. According to Glendale police, one of the men pointed a gun at the sergeant, who then fired two shots at the men driving a white Chrysler 300. Officials say one bullet hit the ground, and the other hit the vehicle but did not injure anyone inside.
The group drove away from the area, and a short pursuit was initiated but the vehicle got away near 91st Avenue and Indian School Road.
Authorities said evidence has been located in the neighborhood, and a group of people who remained on scene are being cooperative with officers.
Detectives say after the incident, they learned the fight and shooting began when the four men went to the home to buy drugs. As the men were trying to leave the scene, due to the shooting, that's when officers witnessed the incident and began shooting towards the Chrysler as he was "in fear for his life."
No officers or others who remained on scene were injured in the incident, police said.
Glendale police say they alerted nearby hospitals of the incident in case any suspects arrived at the hospital needing medical attention.
Officers say one person arrived at the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury from a gunshot wound later in the afternoon.
Detectives say the individual was a part of the initial call and was questioned by detectives. The person's injuries are not a result of the sergeant's gunfire, but due to the original fight, police say.
Police said they are looking for newer white four-door Chrysler 300 in connection with the incident.
Authorities do not have any individuals in custody, and say they are still gathering information and charges may be pending.
The sergeant who fired his weapon is currently on administrative leave, which is standard procedure during a police shooting investigation, officials say.
