BUCKEYE, Ariz. — A suspect is behind bars after shooting at a Buckeye police officer Thursday morning.
The Buckeye Police Department said just before 9:30 a.m, officers responded to a report of a man walking on Palo Verde Road near Southern Avenue who reportedly pointed a gun at a passing motorist.
Authorities said the arriving officer got out of their patrol vehicle and gave commands for the suspect to stop. Police said that’s when the suspect fired at the officer and the officer fired back.
A short time later, police arrested the suspect, 22-year-old Juan Daniel Ortega, and recovered the weapon.
The officer and suspect were not injured, police said. Ortega was transported to the hospital as a precaution, police said.
Officials said when released, Ortega will be booked on two counts of aggravated assault.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave which is standard protocol, according to Buckeye police.
Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000. Have a tip? Submit it on the Silent Witness tip form here.
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