Officer hurt, suspect killed in Peoria shooting: police
PEORIA, Ariz. - Police say a Phoenix officer was hospitalized and a suspect is dead following a shooting in Peoria.
The shooting happened on Jan. 5 at the Larry H. Miller car dealership near 87th Avenue and Bell Road.
Employees say they saw a truck pull into the back of the dealership, followed by several officers. They then heard gunshots, followed by several more.
Officers from multiple agencies responded to the scene.
"I could see the red lights next to the white truck, and I’m going, 'oh my God, I hope nobody got hurt in the garage,'" said Rita Hillison, an employee at the dealership.
Video taken by SkyFOX shows medical supplies scattered on the ground, after authorities arrived at the scene.
According to Phoenix Police officials, their apprehension team was following a suspect during the morning hours when the man, identified as 30-year-old Junior Reyes, drove to the back of the dealership building. When officers tried to arrest Reyes, he did not go quietly, engaging in a shootout with at least three officers.
"During this exchange of gunfire, one officer was struck," said Sgt. Rob Scherer with Phoenix Police. "This officer was transported to a local hospital. He is expected to fully recover, and has since been released. The suspect in this in this incident was also transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced deceased there."
Police officials said Reyes had a history of violence, along with several felonies and warrants. including aggravated assault on an officer.
Sgt. Scherer said the task force targets people like Reyes.
"They go after the worst of the worst, and they’re very, very well-trained," said Sgt. Scherer. "This is what they do on a day in and a day out basis, as they go and catch the worst of the worst."
"The loss of life of any member of our community is never the outcome we want," Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said. "Events like this show us that the potential for violence against our officers is real."