An individual wearing tactical gear and armed with a rifle and explosives killed two people and injured three bystanders and two police officers Sunday night in Phoenix, Arizona, authorities reported Monday.
The incident occurred around 08: 30 in the evening local time in the north of the city.
The man, who has not yet been identified, came out of an area motel dressed in a tactical vest and helmet and began shooting at random, Sgt. Vincent Cole said of the Phoenix Police, quoted by the Fox network.
A surveillance camera caught the suspect trying to light a Molotov cocktail and throw it at a nearby business. The explosive went off.
The man then fired at a car that was stopped in a parking lot in the area. A couple traveling in the vehicle died from the shots.
Cole explained that the police officers who responded to the emergency calls were met with gunshots. “There was an exchange of fire that resulted in injuries to two of our officers,” he said.
An officer received one shot in the shoulder and the second was hit by shrapnel, including in the face. Both officers were hospitalized and are expected to recover.
The attacker also died and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death, “but it appears he took his own life.” , indicated the Police.
“The suspect was found with a rifle, several chargers, incendiary devices, a gas mask and a helmet at a short distance”, he added.
The names of the victims have not been revealed.
The head of the Phoenix Police Department, Jeri Williams, questioned the acts of violence that plague the city. “This is not a Phoenix Police issue; it is a community problem. If not now, when?” he said.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced Monday that it has joined the investigation.
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