An Arizona man shot his ex-girlfriend dead and then used their baby to lure police and ambush them, wounding nine officers during an hours-long standoff early Friday, authorities said.
The chilling incident unfolded at about 2 a.m., when police were called to the area of 54th Avenue and Elwood Street in Phoenix following reports that a woman had been shot inside the home.
The first officer on the scene was invited into the home by the suspect — identified as 36-year-old Morris Jones — who suddenly opened fire, striking the cop several times just outside the front door, said Phoenix Police Sgt. Andy Williams.
The officer, who is in critical condition, is expected to recover, Williams said
As backup officers surrounded the home, another man suddenly emerged carrying a baby girl. Footage obtained by KPNX-TV showed the man placing the infant on the ground and raising his arms to surrender as he backed away from the home.
Four officers who moved in to retrieve the baby were ambushed by Jones when he opened fire again, Williams said.
All four were struck by the gunfire — and another four officers were wounded by shrapnel and ricochet bullets.
Two officers immediately returned fire as Jones barricaded himself inside the home.
Jones was found dead and his ex-girlfriend critically wounded when officers stormed the home at around 7 a.m. local time, according to authorities. The woman later died. Police haven’t disclosed how Jones died.
One officer is in critical condition but is expected to recover, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said. 3TV/CBS 5
Five police officers and one woman have been injured after a man opened fire and barricaded himself in a Phoenix home on Feb. 11, 2022. Onscene.tv
Authorities said the standoff came to an end at around 7 a.m. Onscene.tv
At some point during the standoff, a baby was placed in a carrier outside the home, police said. Onscene.tvThe baby, who is believed to be the child of Jones and the female victim, was unharmed, police said.
Police are still trying to determine a motive for the initial shooting.
“If I seem upset, I am. This is senseless and doesn’t need to happen,” Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said at an early morning press conference. “I’m thankful our four officers are recovering, and one of them is seriously hurt but is on the road to recovery.”
The incident unfolded at about 2 a.m. near the area of 54th Avenue and Elwood Street. Onscene.tv
A huge law enforcement presence remains in the area. Onscene.tv
Police are urging residents to remain in their homes while the scene is still active. Onscene.tvArizona Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted his support for the injured officers, saying the state was “deeply grateful” for their service.
“Our men and women in blue work day and night – no matter the circumstances – to protect our state from danger,” he said. “Their unwavering courage and sacrifice helps to keep us safe.”
