Phoenix Police Open Fire, Killing Armed Suspect Who Menaced Officers

PHOENIX — A suspect was fatally shot by Phoenix police following an incident on Thursday evening near 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road. Officers reported that the suspect pointed a gun at them during the encounter.

Authorities were initially dispatched to the area because of reports concerning an armed man who had allegedly been harassing someone before fleeing the scene. Upon locating the suspect’s vehicle, police attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the suspect accelerated away from officers.

A police helicopter tracked the vehicle to 79th Avenue and Mitchell Drive, where the suspect exited his car and fled into a nearby backyard. As officers surrounded the area, one officer encountered the suspect, who subsequently aimed a handgun at him. In response to the threat, police shot the suspect.

Emergency personnel arrived but pronounced the man dead at the scene. Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the incident. Authorities later identified the deceased as 48-year-old Saul Loya.

This incident is currently under investigation, and police have urged the community to remain updated as further information becomes available.