Police told residents in a neighborhood near the Phoenix-Scottsdale border to stay indoors after a robbery suspect shot and critically wounded a police officer and citizen.
The shooting occurred in the intersection of 56th Street and Thomas Road, at the Phoenix-Scottsdale border, after the car of one of the suspects collided with a pickup truck as a police officer gave chase, authorities said. In a struggle that ensued, the suspect wrestled the officer’s gun away, police believe.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio on late Tuesday identified the citizen as a longtime member of the Sheriff’s volunteer posse. He apparently came to the aid of the officer after his truck was struck by the fleeing robber’s car.
Officers were canvassing the area between 56th and 64th streets and McDowell and Thomas roads for four suspects – two men and two women. Assistant Police Chief Chuck Miiller urged people in the area to shelter in place and to not answer their doors unless it is a police officer.
Sgt. Steve Martos, a spokesman with the Phoenix police, said anyone who spots suspicious people or activity should call 911.
“If you see something, say something,” he tweeted from the scene.
The officer, whose identity was not released, was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center in critical condition and was in surgery, according to authorities. The citizen, who was also not identified, was in critical condition as well.
At a press conference, Sgt. Tommy Thompson said that up to six people robbed a person leaving a restaurant at about 2 p.m. near 44th and Oak streets. Two of the suspects got into a car and a police officer followed behind, Thompson said.
The car went through a red light and struck a truck, Thompson said. The driver of the truck attempted to help the officer arrest one of the suspects, he said. The suspect wrestled the gun from the officer and shot him and the posse member, Miiller said.
Scottsdale police, who are assisting in the investigation along with the state Department of Public Safety, said two male suspects fled the scene “into the neighborhood just south and east of the intersection.”
“Both suspects were taken into custody from separate rear yards in the area,” said Scottsdale police spokesman Dave Pubins. “Prior to being arrested, one of the suspects forced entry into the home where he was eventually found in the back yard. The homeowner was not harmed as the suspect ran through the home.”
While eating at the Ranch House Grill on Thomas Road, Don King said he saw a red car collide with a white truck.
He said he and his wife, Maria, had just gotten a table near a picture window at the restaurant.
“We just sat down when I saw the traffic accident,” he said. “I saw the police officer run and grab the guy in the car.”
King said he then saw the truck driver try to help the officer apprehended the suspect.
“Neither one of them could control him,” he said.
King said he heard a shot but did not see the gun firing as his view was obscured by the officer.
King continued: “I saw the officer fall. I heard another shot and the (citizen) fell.”
King described how people in the restaurant simultaneously got on their cell phones to call 911.
“I am still shaking a little bit.”
Another man joined the officer and appeared to try to help with the arrest. King said he heard a shot and saw the officer go down. He said he heard another shot and the other man fell.
King said he saw the shooter run down 56th Street to the neighborhood south of Thomas Road.
Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton was at the hospital waiting for details. He said it was a fluid situation and could not give additional details at this time.
Phoenix District 6 Councilman Sal DiCiccio posted on Facebook that he offered prayers for the police officer and citizen.
Scottsdale police are also investigating the shooting, according to Officer David Pubins, a spokesman with the Scottsdale Police Department.
The scene remains active.
Earlier today in an unrelated incident, an off-duty Maricopa County Sheriff Deputy was shot at and injured by glass from a broken window.
Justin Price, Brittany Elena Morris and Mark Carlson contributed to this report.
29839 Sta Margarita Pkwy, 
Videography by Barbara Rosenfeld 
December 31st, 2013 @ 6:35 pm
another report and a news video
Police officer, MCSO posse member shot in east Phoenix
Arpaio, who he was en route to the hospital to find out his medical condition, did not release the posse member’s identities but said he was a member of his office’s search and rescue unit.
https://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/20131231phoenix-police-involved-shooting-abrk.html?nclick_check=1
Maricopa County Sheriff Office has NUMEROUS posses, such as Search & Rescue, Crime Prevention, Civic Functions, Disaster Relief and Emergency Support. (click on a category for more info) https://www.mcsoposse.org/PosseRosters.aspx
December 31st, 2013 @ 6:50 pm
i got booted 7 times when i would hit the comment button
and now anyone think that a robery could be faked in order to tarket someone in particular..
to much of stuff strange happening…
time to watch your back and remember your second amentment about arms?
will
December 31st, 2013 @ 7:13 pm
If this is Zullo or any posse member it is the last straw for me. This is war now. Sorry but we fight now with every ounce we have to give.
We print flyers and hand out at every street corner that communists have taken over this country. I am tired of sugar coating it. This is what it is.They are no longer hiding their agenda. When the newly appointed School Chancelor (Carley Farina) of the biggest city c omes out and says will push the progressives agenda in our schools, it is time to fight BIG TIME. IT BETTER NOT BE ZULLO!
January 1st, 2014 @ 12:22 am
https://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24337733/2013/12/31/2-people-shot
Phoenix Fox news reports it was a police officer and a volunteer 63 year old Posse member that was seeing what happened and stepping in to help the officer. Both got shot. Two black suspects are now in custody. Appears to have been a robbery involved crime. Prayer for the two shot needed, both are critical.
January 1st, 2014 @ 12:25 am
https://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24337733/2013/12/31/2-people-shot
Phoenix Fox News reports a police officer and 63 year old possee volunteer who intervened at the scene to help the officer were shot as they dealt with a robbery suspect. Both are in critical condition so prayers are needed. Two black suspects are now in custody.
January 1st, 2014 @ 5:50 am
Time to write to your Congressman about this!
January 1st, 2014 @ 7:51 am
BY –
Steve Konegni
December 31, 2013 at 11:25 pm
The article was informative. Thank you for the relevant information about the two heroes shot trying to subdue the animals on E. Thomas Rd.
However, as pointed out by Nanette Jameson-Wilkinson, the use of the stock photo from an unrelated shooting last year in the LA area is inappropriate. Frankly, it would appear that your editor would rather put something out than stick to the facts. That blue truck shown was taken after officers in the LA area shot two uninvolved citizens that they mistook for the crazy former LAPD officer on a rampage in S.Cal. Hardly related.
If you don’t have a relevant photo then don’t publish one. It totally misrepresents the story and what apparently occurred at 56th Street and Thomas.
God bless the PPD Officer and MCSO Posse Member.
Steve Konegni
Retired Phoenix PD
Delta Junction, Alaska
January 2nd, 2014 @ 1:18 pm
Will: I understand that problem. Here’s what I do to by-pass that:
1st: I (CC&P) the post, before sending it.
2nd: If that doesn’t go through, as well, then, try once or twice more.
3rd: If it doesn’t work then, try to change your email, then, continue to send the same post again! This works for me all the time!
June 30th, 2014 @ 6:39 am
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you should write more about this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but typically folks don’t talk about such subjects. To the next! Kind regards.