Arizona Mass Shooting Leaves 9 Wounded, Gunman Shot by Officer
What to Know
- The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on July 19 in the 100 block of East Congress Street.
- Nine victims suffered gunshot wounds, mainly to extremities, and received medical treatment.
- The suspect was running from the scene when officers arrived and was shot after being given commands.
TUCSON, Arizona -- A Tucson police officer shot a suspected gunman early Sunday after authorities said the suspect opened fire in a crowded downtown area, wounding nine people before officers intervened.
According to the Tucson Police Department, patrol officers assigned to the downtown district heard multiple gunshots at about 2 a.m. on July 19 in the 100 block of East Congress Street and immediately responded on foot.
As officers arrived, they encountered a male suspect running from the scene. Police said officers gave the suspect multiple commands before a uniformed officer discharged a department-issued firearm, striking the suspect. Officers took the suspect into custody and immediately provided first aid before personnel from the Tucson Fire Department transported him to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.
Police said multiple people suffered gunshot wounds during the initial shooting, primarily to their extremities. Officers rendered medical aid to several victims before Tucson Fire Department personnel arrived. All victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. No officers were injured.
According to news reports, nine people were wounded in the shooting.
The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT) has assumed the criminal investigation. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while the Tucson Police Department is conducting a separate administrative investigation to determine whether any department policies were violated. As is standard procedure, the findings will be submitted to the Pima County Attorney's Office for review upon completion of the investigations.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or video related to the incident to contact 88-CRIME and reference Pima County Sheriff's Department case number 260719048. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero addressed the incident in a statement.
"Last night, Tucson experienced another serious and senseless act of gun violence," Romero said. "A shooter recklessly began shooting in a crowded area striking nine people before being stopped by a Tucson Police Officer.
"Thanks to the quick actions and excellent care provided by our firefighters and police officers, all victims were stabilized and taken to the hospital, where we are hopeful they will all recover."