South Phoenix Shooting: Suspected Gunman and Woman Dead, 9 Police Officers Injured

An hours-long barricade situation and shooting at a home near 51st Avenue and Broadway early Friday morning left nine Phoenix police officers hurt, and two people, including the suspected gunman, dead.

How the Shooting Started

According to Sgt. Andy Williams, the incident started with a 911 call about a woman who had been shot in the neighborhood of 54th Avenue, between Lower Buckeye and Broadway roads shortly after 2 a.m.

When an officer approached the house, a man, who was later identified as 36-year-old Morris Jones, reportedly invited him inside before shooting him multiple times in an ambush per Fox Phoenix.

Backup officers later came and surrounded the house, where the suspect was barricaded.

At some point during the standoff, a family member stepped out of the house with a baby in his arms and placed the infant in a carrier on the ground. Officers ordered him to walk back with his hands raised, which he did.

As officers approached the house to get the baby, that's when Jones opened fire again, Williams said. Two more cops returned fire. The baby was not hurt, but four more officers were injured by ricocheting bullets and shrapnel.

Police eventually gained access to the house and discovered the suspect dead, as well as a critically injured woman. The woman, whose identity has not been revealed, was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.

Jones had previously pled guilty to using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, according to federal court records.

Officials said Jones died of a gunshot wound, but it is unclear whether he was killed in the shootout or if he turned the gun on himself.

According to authorities, they believe that the suspected gunman and the woman had previously been involved in a relationship, and the baby was their child.

The infant is currently in the custody of the Department of Child Safety.

'This Is Senseless' - Phoenix Police Chief

"If I seem upset, it's because I am," Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams remarked in the morning, underlining the daily struggles and safety issues that law enforcement officials face.

"This is senseless," said Williams, "(It) doesn't need to happen and continues to happen over and over again."

Just two months ago, fellow cop Tyler Moldovan was shot eight times, including once in the head.

Investigators are trying to uncover what led to the terrifying act, which was caught on camera by the media, according to the police chief.

"I saw the video, and it still gives me chills," Williams added.

Four of the officers injured are in stable condition, while one officer is in serious but stable condition.

According to Andy Williams, the officer was "injured the most significantly" as he was shot multiple times, but said it is non-life-threatening and the officer is expected to survive.

Those who were injured by shrapnel stayed until the barricade situation was resolved.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said she visited one of the injured cops in the hospital during a press conference held hours after the incident.

One of the officers simply wanted to hear about the rest of the squad and how they were doing when the Mayor spoke with them.

Gallego concluded: "That is the type of incredibly selfless individual who serves the City of Phoenix."

Ann Ender and Linda Colino of the Blue Ribbon Project were putting up blue ribbons as a show of support for police officers outside Banner University Hospital, where a number of cops who were injured in the incident were undergoing treatment.

The Blue Ribbon Project members hope that their small gesture was helpful.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

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