Phoenix Police Shoot Armed Suspect Near 79th Avenue

PHOENIX, AZ — November 3, 2026 — A suspect was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Monday night after being shot by a Phoenix Police officer following reports of an aggravated assault at a convenience store in west Phoenix.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, the incident began on November 2, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., when officers received a report of an aggravated assault at a convenience store located at 400 North 75th Avenue.

Police said the initial call indicated that a suspect had pointed a handgun at a victim before leaving the scene in a vehicle.

Officers Locate Suspect Near 79th Avenue and Van Buren Street

A short time after the initial report, responding officers located a vehicle believed to be connected to the aggravated assault in an empty lot at the northwest corner of North 79th Avenue and West Van Buren Street.

A Phoenix Police helicopter arrived overhead to assist officers on the ground.

According to the department’s preliminary account, the helicopter crew observed the suspect standing beside his vehicle and pointing a handgun toward the aircraft.

Police reported that a responding officer subsequently discharged his department-issued rifle, striking the suspect.

Authorities have not disclosed how many shots were fired or the distance between the officer and the suspect when the shooting occurred.

Suspect Transported to Hospital With Life-Threatening Injuries

Following the shooting, officers approached the injured suspect and began providing medical assistance.

Phoenix Fire Department personnel responded and transported the suspect to a nearby hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Police confirmed that no officers or other members of the community were injured during the incident.

The suspect’s identity, age, and updated medical condition were not included in the information released.

Questions Remain About the Shooting

The preliminary account leaves several questions unanswered, including whether the suspect fired his weapon, whether officers issued commands before the shooting, and whether body-worn camera or helicopter footage captured the encounter.

The department also has not provided information about the officer who discharged the rifle or whether the suspect will face charges related to the original aggravated assault allegation.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been independently established. The police account represents the department’s initial description of the incident.

Investigation and Additional Information

Officer-involved shootings raise questions about the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force, including the threat perceived by responding officers and whether their actions complied with department policies.

Additional details may become available as investigators review evidence, interview witnesses, and examine available recordings.

Habari News will continue monitoring this developing story and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.

For official department information, visit the Phoenix Police Department.

Source: Phoenix Police Department incident statement concerning the November 2, 2026, officer-involved shooting.

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