Alleged Shoplifter in Critical Condition After Being Shot by Tempe Police
TEMPE – A suspected shoplifter is currently in critical condition after being shot by Tempe police officers near Priest and Elliott.
The incident occurred earlier today and has sparked an investigation into the use of force by law enforcement.
According to Sgt.
Hector Encinas, officers responded to a reported shoplifting incident at a local establishment.
Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered a male suspect in his mid-20s described as armed with a sharp object.
In the course of their interaction with the suspect, an officer fired a single shot, striking the suspect.
Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and the suspect was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Tempe police have confirmed that a sharp object was found near the suspect’s body, although further details about the nature of the object have not been released.
The incident has raised questions about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement and has prompted an internal investigation by the Tempe Police Department.
The department will be reviewing body camera footage and gathering witness statements to ascertain the events leading up to the shooting.
As news of the incident spreads, community members and activists are demanding transparency and accountability from the police department.
Calls for an independent investigation have grown, with concerns about the use of deadly force in situations involving non-lethal threats.
The identity of the suspect has not been released, and it is unclear if any charges will be filed once his condition stabilizes.
Updates on the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story.
Stay tuned to local news for the latest updates.
Source: KPHO – Local News [Link: https://www.azfamily.com/]
