PHOENIX — A Phoenix police officer shot and critically wounded a man who allegedly advanced toward officers with a knife outside an IHOP restaurant early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The incident unfolded around 4 a.m. when officers were called to the 24-hour IHOP near Northern Avenue and 19th Avenue for a trespassing report, according to the Phoenix Police Department.
What led to the shooting at the Phoenix IHOP?
When officers arrived, the man reportedly walked out the restaurant’s front doors holding a large knife and began challenging police, Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said during a media briefing.
In an attempt to de-escalate, one officer deployed a less-lethal weapon twice, but the suspect allegedly continued to advance toward police while still armed. At that point, another officer discharged his duty rifle, striking the man.
The suspect was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured during the confrontation.
Authorities closed Northern Avenue between 19th and 21st avenues while detectives investigated the scene. Police did not immediately release the suspect’s identity, and no timeline was provided for when the roadway would reopen.
The shooting remains under investigation, as is standard protocol in officer-involved incidents.
