A Tucson police officer shot and critically wounded a male suspect after gunfire injured nine adults in a crowded downtown entertainment district early Sunday, authorities said.
The shooting erupted around 2 a.m. near East Congress Street and North Sixth Avenue. Officers assigned to foot patrol heard the shots and ran toward them, CBS News reported, citing Tucson Police Department spokesman Frank Magos. Police said officers encountered a man running from the scene, issued repeated commands and then one uniformed officer fired, striking him.
The department’s initial alert said a suspect was in custody and multiple victims were receiving treatment. Police later said the nine victims suffered gunshot wounds primarily to their arms or legs. Officers provided first aid until Tucson Fire Department crews transported the victims and suspect to hospitals. The suspect had life-threatening injuries, while officials said they were hopeful all nine other patients would survive. No officers were injured.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the criminal investigation through the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team. Tucson police will conduct a separate administrative review to determine whether department policies were violated, and the findings will be sent to the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity, identified the officer who fired or announced a motive. Police had not publicly confirmed whether the suspect shot all nine victims or whether any other shooter was involved. KGUN reported the gunfire followed a confrontation between two groups who knew each other and that bystanders were struck.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero called the shooting “another serious and senseless act of gun violence” and praised first responders for their rapid response.
Investigators asked witnesses or anyone with video to contact 88-CRIME and reference sheriff’s case number 260719048.
