By David J. Cieslak, The Arizona Republic
Phoenix police shot and killed a man Thursday afternoon during a gun battle in the parking lot of a north Phoenix motel, a department spokesman said.
The incident began about 2:30 p.m. when police tried to question the man in the lobby of the Premier Inns near Interstate 17 and Peoria Avenue, Phoenix police Detective Tony Morales said. The dead man’s victim is not immediately available.
Morales gave the following account:
As officers attempted to talk with the man, he ran from the lobby into the parking lot where he began fighting with officers.
Police stunned him with a taser gun but after the shock, the man got to his feet, pulled a handgun from his pants pocket and began firing at the officers.
Morales said the officers and the gunman exchanged numerous shots until the man was struck and fell. Paramedics transported him to John C. Lincoln Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
No officers were injured in the incident, Morales said.
Morales said the man was wanted on numerous felony warrants but did not know the charges.