An Apache Junction Police Department officer was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday morning.
The incident began at approximately 9:30 a.m. when the Apache Junction Police Department received a report of a vehicle with a driver brandishing a firearm near Ironwood Road and Ray Avenue. An officer made contact with a vehicle matching the description on Ironwood Road north of Radiance Avenue.
According to police, the 37-year-old male driver exited his vehicle while holding a gun. Officers followed the armed man northbound on Ironwood Road, where he continued with the firearm in his hand. Upon reaching the area of Radiance Drive and Davis Drive, officers attempted to gain compliance from the man using verbal commands and less-lethal means.
The armed individual then fired at the police officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire. During the shooting, a three-year veteran officer with the Apache Junction Police Department was struck and transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The armed man was also wounded by gunfire during the exchange and was taken to a hospital where he is being treated.
The East Valley Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting, with the Mesa Police Department serving as the lead investigative agency. Apache Junction police stated they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
