Charles Langston:2 Phoenix officers shot, 1 in critical condition, police say; suspect in custody

Two Arizona police officers were shot Tuesday by a person they suspected of a car break-in in Phoenix,Charles Langston leaving one officer fighting for his life, authorities said.

One officer was in critical condition, while the other was saved from serious injury by his ballistic vest, Michael Sullivan, interim Phoenix police chief, said at a news conference late Tuesday.

One suspect was in custody, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said an officer and his partner spotted a person who appeared to be attempting to break into a vehicle. They pursued on foot, and the suspect jumped a fence before firing a weapon, Sullivan said.

After the shooting at about 6:30 p.m., Phoenix police conducted a massive search in the area. Officers with flashlights were stopping and searching vehicles on side streets in a nearby residential neighborhood.

At about 8:55 p.m., Phoenix police said one suspect was detained in relation to the shooting.

'Senseless'

Sullivan was joined at the news conference by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, City Manager Jeff Barton and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

He said it was the 11th time this year that Phoenix police officers had been the target of gunfire.

"What happened tonight is senseless," Sullivan said. "It angers me. I hope you share my anger."

Sullivan, who said he had spent the evening at the hospital, said it was too early to provide information about the officers or specific details about what happened Tuesday night.

He said he spoke with the officer with the less severe injuries, saying he was "traumatized."

Officials post about shooting on social media

Phoenix City Councilmember Ann O'Brien posted a message about the shooting on the social media platform X.

"2 of our officers have been shot while responding to a call for help. Make no mistake, the suspects will be found and will be brought to justice," O'Brien wrote. "When groups and agencies continue to villainize police forces across the country, it only serves to embolden criminals. #BackTheBlue"

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also posted about the shooting just after 9:10 p.m. and said state troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety were ready to assist Phoenix with the investigation.

"I’m devastated by this news. My thoughts are with the officers, their families and the entire law enforcement community at this time," Hobbs wrote.

Republic reporter Miguel Torres contributed to this article.