Man Suspected of Assaulting Officer Before Phoenix Shooting, Police Report

PHOENIX — A man is dead following an officer-involved shooting that stemmed from a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon near 25th Street and Cactus Road, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., an officer from the Desert Horizon Precinct initiated a traffic stop after observing a violation by a driver. The specific traffic law in question was not disclosed in the police report.

As the officer attempted to park his vehicle, the driver exited his car and engaged in a heated argument. The officer asked for the driver’s license and aimed to clarify the reason for the stop, but the situation escalated.

According to police, the driver became increasingly aggressive, leading to a physical confrontation. A bystander intervened in an effort to assist the officer during the struggle, as the driver made an attempt to seize the officer’s firearm.

In response to the escalating threat, the officer drew his weapon and discharged one round, hitting the driver in the lower body. Despite the injury, the man was able to receive prompt medical attention and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The involved officer also sustained injuries and has since been treated and released from the hospital. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, which has led to the closure of Cactus Road between 24th and 30th Streets for several hours.

In a tweet, the Phoenix Police department confirmed the ongoing investigation and the temporary road closures.

This report remains under active investigation as authorities gather more information regarding the events leading to the shooting.