Arizona Officer Shot at Scene of Arson Fire, Suspect Killed

A Quartzsite, AZ, officer was shot and seriously wounded at the scene of a suspected arson fire Tuesday night. The suspect was killed by responding law enforcement. 

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, around 10:40 p.m. officials were called to a neighborhood in Quartzsite where two homes were reportedly on fire. One of the victims was able to tell responding officers that the fires were intentionally set and identified the suspect and suspect vehicle. 

A Quartzsite officer and two Arizona DPS troopers located the suspect near a Burger King restaurant near Exit 17 in Quartzsite. At that time, the suspect fired at officers and troopers, hitting one of the officers. 

The suspect fled the area and retreated to an area where DPS says he "previously set up a strategic advantage of cover, utilizing a block wall and his vehicle for protection." The suspect had rifles, a handgun and ammunition. 

Troopers unsuccessfully tried to negotiate with the suspect and a trooper ended up shooting and killing the suspect, ABC15 reports.