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Video: Ariz. cop shoots gunman who targeted first responders

Officer Danny Leon was credited with ending a deadly shooting spree that hurt two EMTs and a firefighter

Tucson Police shooting emt firefighter

Tucson Police Department

By Suzie Ziegler

TUCSON, Ariz. — New bodycam video shows the moment a Tucson police officer ended a deadly shooting spree that targeted first responders on Sunday.

According to KVOA, Leslie Stephen Scarlett, 35, is accused of killing one person and leaving four others wounded, including two EMTs and a Tucson fire captain. Police said the “complex series of incidents” began with a house fire call around 4 p.m., reported NBC News.

A few minutes later, police said Scarlett shot two EMTs who were responding to an unrelated medical call about a mile away. One of them was shot in the head and listed in critical condition; the second was shot in the chest and arm and is stable.

Back at the house fire, firefighters and neighbors were working to get the blaze under control when Scarlett drove up and started shooting, according to NBC News. One neighbor was struck and killed. A fire captain was shot in the arm and a second neighbor was grazed by a bullet; both were listed in good condition.

Scarlett then fled and encountered Officer Danny Leon, according to KVOA. In new bodycam video released Monday, Scarlett rams into Leon’s vehicle and starts shooting. Leon gets out of his vehicle and returns fire, hitting the suspect.

Scarlett was hospitalized in critical condition, NBC News reported. Leon was not hurt.

“He is shaken up by the crazy incident, but in the end, he knows he did the right thing and probably stopped the suspect from killing more people,” said Mike Storie, a Tucson police union representative, to KVOA. “His call reflected there was an active shooter that did not intend on giving up so this is as serious as it gets.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said Leon’s actions prevented further tragedy.

“Officer Danny Leon responded immediately to the scene, knowing he would be entering harm’s way,” Romero told KVOA at a press conference Monday. “Despite his car being rammed and shots being fired directly at him, he demonstrated incredible composure and bravery in neutralizing the threat. His actions were heroic and likely saved lives.”

Another body was found badly burnt at the scene of the house fire, according to NBC News. That person’s manner of death and relationship to the suspect is unknown. The investigation remains ongoing.

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