Late Tuesday night, a reported shoplifting incident at a convenience store in Phoenix quickly escalated into a deadly officer-involved shooting near the intersection of 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street. The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on May 7.

According to the Phoenix Police, an officer on patrol was approached by a store employee who informed them about the shoplifting incident. The employee identified two individuals nearby as the suspects. As the officer attempted to confront them, one suspect fled southbound on 35th Avenue, while the other ran eastbound on Roosevelt Street. The officer pursued the individual running eastbound.

During the foot pursuit, the fleeing suspect reportedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire towards the officer, striking the patrol car. Reacting to the imminent threat, the officer returned fire, hitting the suspect at least once. The wounded suspect was apprehended and immediately transported to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased. The suspect's identity has not been disclosed.

The second suspect involved in the shoplifting incident managed to evade capture and remains at large. The investigation is ongoing, and the area around the intersection of 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street has been cordoned off.

Thankfully, the officer involved in the shooting did not sustain any injuries during the incident. The shooting occurred in close proximity to Carl Hayden High School, leading officials to delay the start of classes until 11 a.m. on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.

This tragic incident underscores the risks that law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties to protect communities. The Phoenix Police Department will continue its investigation, working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shoplifting incident and the events that led to the deadly officer-involved shooting.

Residents and witnesses in the area are urged to come forward with any information that may assist the authorities in locating the second suspect.