Man shot after fleeing in stolen U-Haul truck: Peoria PD

Police: Man shot after fleeing in stolen U-Haul in Peoria

Officers say the suspect produced a firearm before being shot. Peoria Avenue remains closed during the investigation. FOX 10's Irene Snyder reports.

PEORIA, Ariz. - Peoria police say a man is in stable condition after an officer-involved shooting early Wednesday morning near 89th and Peoria avenues.

What we know:

The incident began around 3:11 a.m. on November 26, when a license plate reader flagged a stolen U-Haul box truck near 75th Avenue and Peoria. Officers tracked the vehicle to a nearby mobile home park and attempted a traffic stop.

Sgt. Shelly Montez says a passenger got out of the truck and ran from the scene. Officers set up a perimeter and located the man a short time later near an O’Reilly Auto Parts store close to 89th Avenue and Peoria.

According to investigators, the man produced a firearm during the encounter. One officer — a sergeant — fired at least one shot, striking the suspect. A second officer was also present, though police have not confirmed whether both fired.

Officers performed life-saving measures on the man before paramedics arrived. He was transported to an area hospital in serious condition but is now out of the ICU and stable, Montez said.

"Once he is released from the local hospital, he will be booked on several felony warrants, and new felony charges resulting from this incident. The male suspect has been identified as 41 – year-old Anthony Sesmas," stated Montez.

This marks Peoria’s second officer-involved shooting of the year, according to police.

Investigators say there is no active threat to the public.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released the number of shots fired, or details on where the suspect was hit. Police also have not said where the stolen truck originated.

The names of the police officers have not been released.

What's next:

Montez says the West Valley Incident Response Team, led in this case by Buckeye police, has taken over the investigation, as is standard in officer-involved shootings.

"WVIRT provides an independent and thorough review of critical incidents, reinforcing 
our commitment to transparency and accountability."

Traffic in the area::

Peoria Avenue will remain closed in both directions between Loop 101 and the scene of the shooting during the investigation.

Map of the area