PHOENIX — Phoenix police officers said a man is recovering after being stabbed at a business near 71st Avenue and Sherman Street near Tolleson.
Helicopter footage showed several patrol vehicles and police officers outside the building as people evacuated from inside.
Officers were able to evacuate the building, but police said that the suspect, later identified as Kendis Randles, 28, was believed to still be inside.
Authorities had the building blocked off and were eventually able to make contact with Randles.
A police spokesman said less-lethal force was used alongside negotiators and the Phoenix Crisis Intervention Team.
Randles was heard saying that he didn't want to get out alive, but police were able to safely bring the man into custody, officials said.
Police said the employee was stabbed multiple times in different areas of his body. As of last check, the employee is still in the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries. Witnesses told police Randles was an employee of the victim.
There were nearly 30 associates who were working at the facility were evacuated quickly and remained on company grounds in a safe location as police remained on the scene to investigate.
“Don’t know what kind of stress he was under, nobody knows, these kinds of things could be triggered any time," said Kem Krest employee Ralph Rocha.
“The physical and emotional well-being of our associates is always our number one priority. We continue to keep the associate who was injured in today’s unfortunate act of violence in our thoughts and prayers,” said Amish Shah, CEO of Kem Krest.
Counseling services will reportedly be provided by Kem Krest for the company's associates through their Employee Assistance Program.
Police said Randles was interviewed and admitted to intentionally cutting the victim with the intent to kill him. Randles was booked on one count of attempted first-degree murder.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News as we continue to update this article with more information.
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