PEORIA, AZ – An officer-involved shooting incident took place near 87th Avenue and Bell Road in Peoria on Friday morning, resulting in the death of Junior Reyes, the 30-year-old suspect, stated Phoenix police. The police officer who was shot is expected to make a complete recovery.
Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan, during a press conference on Friday afternoon, reported that the officer was executing a fugitive investigation when the incident occurred. According to law enforcement, Reyes, who had a felony warrant for his arrest, was a “prohibited possessor.” Reyes had been arrested previously for drug transportation and had a conviction for weapon misconduct on his record.
According to the police, Reyes, who was under surveillance, was located, and an attempt was made to apprehend him. However, during the apprehension, Reyes wielded a handgun and exchanged gunfire with multiple officers. Three officers fired fatal weapons, while one officer used a less lethal weapon.
Reyes and the officer injured in the encounter were transported to local hospitals. The Phoenix Police Department reported that the officer suffered a lower leg gunshot wound but has been discharged from the hospital and is expected to recover fully. Unfortunately, Reyes did not survive.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego spoke at the press conference, praising the injured officer as one of Phoenix’s finest based on conversations with his colleagues.
The shooting incident also affected nearby Liberty Buick dealership. Some employees heard the shootout, while an errant bullet hit a dealership window. Subsequent to the incident, an internal investigation will be launched by the Phoenix police. A criminal investigation will also be carried out by the Peoria police, said Phoenix officers.
The Phoenix police department has not divulged any more details about what led up to the shooting or released the name of the officer who was shot.