The Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) _ A Phoenix police officer was expected to undergo lifesaving surgery Monday.
Officer Robert Sitek, 35, remained in extremely critical condition Sunday, following a gunfight between another officer and a motorist, police said.
He was shot four times: twice in the lower-right abdomen less than an inch below his protective vest, once in his left femur and once in his left hand.
Sitek’s heart briefly stopped before doctors stabilized him and removed part of his colon and small intestine.
Dr. Brian Prebil said Sitek was in a medically induced coma at Maricopa County Medical Center on Sunday and would undergo further surgery Monday.
Sitek and his partner, Officer David Thwing, were on patrol Saturday night and about to make a stop when a Chevrolet pickup cut the officers off, Phoenix police Detective Tony Morales said.
With the officers in pursuit, the pickup fled northbound to the first available alley and sped west, crashing into a fence before stopping.
Sitek opened his passenger’s side door and immediately found himself trading gunfire with the suspect.
Sitek fell and the suspect ran. Thwing chased him down the alley and over a wall, then killed him in a second exchange of gunfire.
Thwing wasn’t injured.
Police still don’t know the other man’s identity.