PHOENIX — A man accused of robbing a bank and firing at a police helicopter before being shot by Phoenix police made his first appearance in court Saturday night.
Now, 37-year-old Charles Rock is facing charges of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, and more.
Around 3 p.m. on Thursday, officers got the call that a man with a possible explosive device was at a bank near 7th Street and Thunderbird Road.
Police said after stealing money from the bank, Rock fled the scene.
A citizen who witnessed the robbery followed the suspect while another person called 911. Police said a Phoenix police helicopter was already in the area, along with a police sergeant in an unmarked vehicle.
The air unit located Rock's vehicle near Interstate 17 and Thunderbird Road and followed it as it got off at Cactus Road.
Police said Rock turned into a strip mall near 28th Drive and started shooting at the police helicopter.
Authorities said the sergeant in the unmarked vehicle shot at Rock, striking him. Rock then got back in his vehicle and drove off.
Police were able to catch up with and detain Rock in a parking lot nearby.
Rock was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but has since recovered enough to appear in court.
Authorities said the bomb squad found an improvised explosive device inside the suspect's vehicle and disposed of it.
Police said no one else was injured and the police helicopter was not struck by gunfire.
Rock is now being held on a $1,000,000 bond.
This is the 24th police shooting in Maricopa County this year and the 13th involving Phoenix police.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for updates.
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