Phoenix PD officer use patrol car to stop armed robbery suspect
By: -----
Phoenix, AZ - Phoenix police responded to 48th Avenue and McDowell Road on June 7 for reports of a housekeeper who said she watched a man on video steal her purse from the hotel laundry room. When the victim confronted the man, she said the suspect, who has not yet been identified, pulled out a gun and pointed it at her.
She described the suspect to a 911 operator as a Hispanic man in his 20s wearing black clothes and a black hat. Video surveillance released Friday appears to corroborate that description.
Officers arrived and met with the victim, who showed them the security tape. Police shared a photo and description of the suspect with other officers, and footage from the hotel shows the suspect running away.
About an hour later, officers spotted the suspect at a nearby gas station, where he was seen carrying the stolen purse. Police say that officers activated their lights as the man left the store and tried to stop him, but he took off running.
Authorities say it’s at this point that the suspect allegedly reached for his waistband, where he had a gun, prompting an officer to hit the man with the patrol car. Video shows that it appears he ran over the suspect’s foot and ankle before taking him into custody.
As of this week, the suspect remains hospitalized. He will be booked once released.