The officers’ identities have not been released. The fallen officer is described as a 21-year veteran of the police force. The other officer is a nine-year veteran and remains in intensive care following surgery.
The suspect, William Thornton, caused a three-vehicle collision after fleeing from officers in his car. He then ran away from the scene while exchanging gunfire with police.
“This is the worst part of policing. The hard part for policing. The tragic part of policing. But also the part that strikes a chord to officers in relation to losing a fellow officer, but also to our citizens,” said Chief Garcia, reported myfoxphoenix.com. “I ask the people of Phoenix to keep the both families and officers in their prayers.. this is a very difficult time for our department.”
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio said, “This is horrible day for our police. Please pray for the soul and family of our one officer we lost and pray for the recovery and family of our second officer. God Bless them all.”