By Joanna Putman
Police1
PHOENIX — A Phoenix Police officer was hospitalized after he was stabbed in the neck during an altercation with a trespassing suspect, FOX 10 reported.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on April 7 at a gas station, according to the report.
“The officer spoke to the man and informed him he was no longer allowed to be on the property. The officer escorted the man towards the exit when the man pulled a knife and violently attacked the officer,” said Sgt. Phil Krynsky of the Phoenix Police.
Employees of the store intervened to assist the officer until additional police units arrived and apprehended the suspect, who was later hospitalized for issues not related to the altercation, according to the report. The injured officer, whose name has not been disclosed, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He has been part of the department for six months and previously served as a volunteer officer.
“This is the second Phoenix officer who has been violently attacked in a week. I refuse to let this become the norm,” Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated. “It is unacceptable, and the community should be outraged.”
The suspect involved is expected to face multiple felony charges upon discharge from the hospital, according to the report. The incident follows a recent pattern of violence against Phoenix officers, including a shooting on March 29 related to an armed robbery.