2 police officers shot in Phoenix, one in critical condition, other probably saved by bulletproof vest, police chief says

Two Phoenix police officers were shot by someone suspected of breaking into a car, police said Tuesday. One of them was in critical condition and the other was stable.

One person has been arrested, acting police chief Michael Sullivan said at a news conference hours after the shooting near downtown Phoenix. He said police do not believe there is an immediate threat to anyone in the community.

The officer, whose condition is stable, “was saved by his bulletproof vest,” CBS affiliate KPHO-TV from Phoenix quoted Sullivan as saying.

“This is a terrible night for the Phoenix Police Department and for those who love and care about their officers and the members of our community,” he said.

Sullivan said he spoke to the officer, who was in stable condition: “He was traumatized. He had just been shot, and his partner had just been shot.”

Officers responded to a call that someone was attempting to break into a vehicle around 6:30 p.m.

“When they arrived, the suspect ran and jumped a fence,” Sullivan said. “Our officers pursued him and were met with gunfire.”

The names of the officers shot have not been released and Sullivan said it was too early to determine whether they exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The person arrested was found not far from the crime scene, he said, without giving further details.

Sullivan said the injured officers were surrounded by family and other loved ones at the hospital.

“Our officers have been shot 11 times this year while protecting and serving this community,” Sullivan said. “What happened tonight is senseless. It makes me angry. I hope you share my anger.”

KPHO noted that Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said on X that she was devastated to hear about the shooting. “My thoughts are with the officers, their families and the entire police community during this time,” she said.