PHOENIX — A Phoenix police officer and the suspect of an investigation were both shot during an incident early Tuesday morning. The officer is expected to recover, but police confirmed that the suspect died from his injuries.
"One of our officers has been shot in the line of duty. This is the third officer shot in the line of duty this year," Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said.
The shooting happened around 3 a.m. near 10th Street and Southern Avenue.
Phoenix police said two officers patrolling in this area attempted to stop a man on a bicycle and a struggle ensued. The man, later identified as Sergio Francisco Alvarez, 48, allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the officer in the leg.
The other officer on the scene shot at and struck Alvarez. Alvarez then ran a short distance before he was taken into custody.
Police officials said the incident took roughly two minutes.
Alvarez was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Alvarez had a prior conviction record dating back to 1997. Charges included aggravated assault, aggravated DUI, resisting arrest, marijuana violations and misconduct involving weapons.
People living near the intersection told 12News it isn't uncommon to hear gunshots, but they were surprised to hear it was an officer shot in the line of duty.
"Once we saw the cop lights, we were very devastated," Isabella Lopez said.
“There’s been a lot of gun violence," Samantha Edwards said. “For this to just happen, it’s wrong and we just need to get our neighborhood safe again.”
The officer was taken to the hospital in stable condition and underwent surgery Tuesday morning.
“I was just encouraging him, letting him know we’re around him, we’re going to take care of him and make sure he gets the medical care he needs to recover from these injuries," Sullivan said.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for more updates.
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