PHOENIX — Three people are dead and two Phoenix Police officers were rushed to a hospital Sunday night after a shootout happened in the northern part of the city. Police have released more details about the shooting this morning.
The shooting happened around 8:45 p.m. near 26th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. That’s just west of I-17.
Police say that the suspect left a hotel and began firing randomly at the business. He was wearing a 'carrier-type' tactical vest and Kevlar helmet and even tried to ignite the hotel with a Molotov cocktail.
The accused shooter was later identified as 24-year-old Isaiah Williams. There is no known motive, but police say he died by suicide.
The victims were identified as 36-year-old Misael Arevalo and 44-year-old Karla Garzona.
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said that a two-officer patrol unit was sent to the area for some situation and immediately came under fire. The officers responded by shooting back as the alleged shooter retreated.
One officer was shot in the shoulder, while the other was hurt by shrapnel. Police say that the officer who had been shot was able to get out of his vehicle and return fire on the suspect before he was removed for medical treatment.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: 3 muertos, 2 oficiales heridos en un tiroteo en el norte de Phoenix
A police report said that surveillance video showed the gunman crossing the parking lot before falling to the ground. Although the official cause of death has not been released, it appears that the man may have taken his own life.
Investigators found a rifle, several magazines, incendiary devices, a gas mask, and a helmet nearby.
Two people were killed in the shooting when the gunman opened fire on their vehicle, and another three bystanders were injured by flying gunfire.
One of the officers is still in the hospital. The three bystanders have been released.
Williams angrily denounced the shooting as another example of systemic gun violence across the nation.
"This is a community issue, not a police issue," she said. "This is another example of gun violence in our community. This is another example of gun violence in our country."
The officers haven't been identified, but they were transported to a hospital where they are in "good spirits," communicating with others and are expected to recover.
The area has been closed off during the investigation. Police are asking community members to stay away.
Investigators say they are gathering evidence and interviewing dozens of people to understand what happened.
Scores of police vehicles were seen in the area immediately after the shooting and the southbound I-17 offramp was closed for a period.
Karla Garzona's family has set up a donation page to help with expenses. If you would like to help, please visit their GoFundMe page.
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