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DPS trooper shot in Phoenix, suspect found dead

A Phoenix police officer was also injured by shrapnel when shots were fired at the officer's cruiser.

PHOENIX — EDITOR'S NOTE: The Phoenix Police Department initially identified the deceased suspect by the incorrect name. The suspect's correct identity is 29-year-old Luis Mateo Jacobo Borja.

Law enforcement is investigating after a Department of Public Safety trooper was shot Monday near 21st Avenue and Thomas Road while initiating a traffic stop. 

Police said an assisting Phoenix police officer was injured by shrapnel while pursuing the fleeing vehicle when the suspect fired at the officer's police cruiser.

According to Phoenix Police Sgt. Melissa Soliz, the incident began just after 11:30 a.m. when a DPS trooper initiated a traffic stop.

That's when the driver fired multiple shots at the trooper and the trooper was hit by gunfire. The trooper was hospitalized but is expected to be OK.

Phoenix officers responded to assist after the trooper was shot.

Phoenix police located the suspect vehicle pulling into to house near 27th Avenue and Garfield Street.

The suspect left the house in the vehicle and drove to 35th Avenue and Holly Street. At this point, the suspect fired shots at the officer and the officer returned fire with their duty rifle. 

The suspect vehicle continued to drive away and fired at another officer near 36th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. The officer’s police Tahoe was hit by gunfire and the officer was injured by shrapnel. The officer was hospitalized but expected to be OK.

Police said the suspect vehicle continued to drive away and ended up near 36th and Virginia avenues. The vehicle then crashed into a wall. The suspect was found deceased in the vehicle with a gunshot wound.

He's been identified as 29-year-old Luis Mateo Jacobo Borja.

Sky12 footage captured video of the incident. The video shows several police patrol vehicles and a car that crashed through a nearby brick wall.

Neighbors described to 12News hearing two or three gunshots before first responders rushed to the scene. 

Residents said there were firefighters, DPS troopers, Phoenix police, helicopters and SWAT team members to ensure the scene was secure before going to the other locations.

Watch home surveillance of the shootout in the player below.

Authorities said both the DPS trooper and Phoenix officer were released from the hospital Monday night and are at home recovering.

DPS said the Phoenix Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident.

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Oficial de DPS hospitalizado tras haber sido herido de bala, encuentran al sospechoso muerto

Credit: 12News
Police have closed off the area of 35th Avenue and McDowell Road after a car crashed through a wall.

This is a breaking story. Stay with 12News for more updates.

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