On Tuesday, a Phoenix police officer was shot multiple times. She is expected to survive thanks to her bulletproof vest.
On June 14, 2022 just before 12:15 p.m. a detective with the Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Impact Unit was conducting follow up, while inside an unmarked vehicle, in the area of 40th Avenue and Pollack Street regarding a crime gun investigation.
While the detective was inside her car, the suspect vehicle arrived in the area and slowed down next to her, and then continued down the road westbound. A short time later, the same suspect vehicle returned to the area and drove eastbound on the road and past the detective’s car. The suspect vehicle stopped a short distance behind the detective’s car and two men exited the suspect vehicle.
The two men got out of the car with handguns drawn and pulled masks over their faces. Through the rearview mirror the detective was able to see the actions of the two males and began to put on her police ballistic vest and draw her handgun. One of the males took a position in front of the detective’s car and the other one stood outside the detective’s passenger side door. Both men began firing into the detective’s car and struck her multiple times as she exited the vehicle. Due to her injuries the detective was unable to fire back.
The two men ran back into the suspect vehicle. The detective was able to broadcast information over the radio to other police units in the area. With the assistance of the Air Unit, patrol units, and the Tactical Support Unit the vehicle was located at a residence near 33rd Avenue and Baseline Road where the two men were taken into custody.
Phoenix Law Enforcement Association president, Darrell Kriplean, called on the community to demand better.
“We are angry and frustrated to learn about yet another officer attacked by a cowardly criminal with murderous intentions in Phoenix today. The men and women who serve in the Phoenix Police Departments have bravely answered the call to service, an act not many are willing to do. Unfortunately, there are risks associated with this type of work and today is another reminder of the sacrifices made each day by our officers,” said Kriplean.
“The community, we must demand better action to reduce violent crimes and attacks and police officers. The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association will continue to keep the officer and her loved ones in our thoughts and prayers and hope for a quick recovery,” concluded Kriplean.
