Man shot dead after robbery, car chase

An armed robbery suspect was shot to death by police officers after a pursuit that extended from east Phoenix into Glendale on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

The shooting occurred in a parking lot in the area of 6300 N. 64th Drive in Glendale, about an hour after police began following the man, according to Officer Tiffany Smith of the Glendale Police Department.

The incident began about 2:40 p.m., when Phoenix police responded to a reported armed robbery at 32nd Street and Thomas Road, Smith said. She did not provide details on where the robbery occurred.

Police determined the suspect’s vehicle matched one that was being sought in connection with several other recent armed robberies in the Valley and a carjacking, Smith said.

Phoenix police tactical units began following the vehicle over the next hour as it worked its way west through Phoenix and eventually into Glendale, Smith said. Glendale officers joined in following the car once the driver entered that city at about 3:40 p.m., she said.

Phoenix-area television stations broadcast live shots showing the car navigating city streets as police units remained at a distance and then entering a parking lot on 64th Drive south of Maryland Avenue, in a residential area. Unmarked vehicles boxed in the car as it tried to speed off, apparently hitting it on purpose to stop the driver.

The car came to a stop under a covered parking area, obscuring its view from the helicopter cameras, but the pictures showed smoke coming from under the parking cover and officers firing at the suspect. A K9 unit dog was then seen running toward the suspect.

Smith said the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.

She could not confirm if the suspect, a man, fired a weapon at the officers. His identity was not released.

The Glendale Police Department is leading the investigation because the shooting took place there, Smith said.

Teresa Cordova, a resident in the area, said she was walking to her car when she saw the police activity.

“Cops zoomed in. The guy jumped out of the car. He supposedly started firing and then they just took off on him, all guns shooting at him, and they got him,” she said.