Phoenix police officers had to dodge bullets and help fight a fire after responding to a shooting that left a family of five dead Tuesday morning.
Officers who responded the scene donned breathing masks and helped firefighters carry hoses into the home near 47th Avenue and Cactus Road, according to KNXV-TV.
Officials said that it appears that the suspect shot four of his family members. The suspect was declared to be dead by police following a standoff, but it was not known if the suspect was shot by officers or took his own life.
Police said the suspect may be the brother or son of the victims.
Sgt. Trent Crump said that a child, between the ages of 8 and 12, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries following the shooting, but was later pronounced dead.
Police and firefighters responded to the scene after reports of a shooting and fire. When on the scene, officials said the gunman would shoot at first responders attempting to get inside to help the wounded victims and to put out the flames.
During the standoff, there was a 45-minute "lull" where the fire was out and there was no gunfire. Soon after, more gunshots could be heard from inside the house and then the fire re-ignited.
Police then updated reporters that the shooter had died. One police officer was taken to the hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.
The incident remains under investigation and a motive for the shooting is not known.
