Tempe Officer Wounded in Shootout that Claims Suspect’s Life

Tempe police responded to the area of Rural and Baseline shortly before 7 p.m. Friday.

TEMPE, Ariz. — A Tempe police officer is recovering after being shot in the leg during an incident that resulted in the death of a suspect, according to the Tempe Police Department.

The situation began at approximately 6 p.m. when officers recognized a suspect with an outstanding warrant related to alleged drug sales at a Circle K store near the intersection of Rural and Baseline.

Following the officers’ approach, the suspect fled his vehicle and initiated a chase towards The Lakes neighborhood, where a confrontation ensued. The 32-year-old male suspect reportedly fired at officers, injuring one officer in the leg.

In response, the officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. The injured officer was subsequently transported to a local hospital and is currently listed with non-life-threatening injuries.

Tempe police indicated that there were no prior indications that the suspect was armed. Neither the identity of the deceased suspect nor the injured officer has been released. The injured officer is part of the ACTION team, a unit dedicated to patrolling high-crime areas.

The East Valley Critical Incident Response Team has been assigned to investigate the shooting. This is a developing story, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.