Phoenix Officer Shoots Man Near West Van Buren Street

A Phoenix police officer shot a 69-year-old man in west Phoenix on November 2 after officers looking for an assault suspect came across him at the intersection of 79th Avenue and Van Buren Street. Authorities reported that the man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured, and police confirmed that no other suspects remained at large.

Officers responded at about 10 p.m. to an assault at a shop near 75th Avenue and Van Buren Street. Investigators said early details indicated that the suspect aimed a handgun at the victim before driving away. Officers later located the vehicle in an empty lot close to 79th Avenue and Van Buren Street.

Authorities reported that an air unit spotted the man next to the vehicle, aiming what appeared to be a handgun toward the helicopter. A patrol officer then opened fire, hitting him. His name has not been released.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is handling the investigation of the shooting involving an officer. Phoenix police are investigating the assault. Van Buren Street was closed between 75th and 83rd avenues, and the closure was expected to last several hours while investigators worked at the scene.