Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Phoenix Officers Injured in Ambush on Vehicle, Both Expected to Recover

The incident began when two officers were trying to conduct a traffic stop in the area. The driver took off but was later found by officers who attempted to stop the car again. As they were driving along, someone standing on the side of the road opened fire and hit the patrol vehicle multiple times.

March 14, 2022
2 min to read


Two Phoenix officers were injured early Sunday morning after a suspect opened fire on them in their vehicle. One officer was hit by a bullet and is expected to "fully recover" from his wound, Chief Jerri Williams said during a press conference. The other was hit by flying glass.

A suspect is in custody.

Ad Loading...

AZ Family reports the incident began when two officers were trying to conduct a traffic stop in the area. The driver took off but was later found by officers who attempted to stop the car again. As they were driving along, someone standing on the side of the road opened fire and hit the patrol vehicle multiple times.

Police say the officer on the passenger side was hit in the wrist, while the officer driving was hurt from flying glass.

The driver the officers were originally trying to stop was later identified as 18-year-old Javon Beasley. Beasley tried to take off on foot, but was arrested by police a short time later. He was booked on felony flight. The shooting suspect is in the process of being booked for attempted homicide, according to police. His name has not been released.

Chief Williams says it appears that officers were “shot by someone hiding in the darkness literally trying to pick our officers off.”

Williams said seven Phoenix officers have been shot and 12 injured in the last three months.

Ad Loading...

"This cannot become our new normal."

At the end of the press conference, a reporter asked if there was a connection between a Saturday night "shots fired" incident at a Phoenix police precinct that may have involved a suspect in a similar vehicle as the one found at the scene of the Sunday morning shooting. He mentioned reports that officers were following that "similar" vehicle. Police would not comment on any possible connection, saying it was too early in the investigation to do so.

More Patrol

Clooudy sky background with a lot of blue, logo for DroneSense, and dates and location of an upcoming event.
PatrolFebruary 11, 2026

Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations

The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.

Read More →
Thumnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips featuring a black background with police car lights and headline What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 11, 2026

What Makes a Good LE Boot?

Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.

Read More →
Red fabric background with blue and white Folds of Honor logo.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders

The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Closeup of hands reaching to pick up a ballistic helmet and a Team Wendy logo in a white box top center in the image.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals

With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.

Read More →
backgroudn image of desert with inset 5.11 logo and images of pant and boot.
PatrolJanuary 28, 2026

5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show

5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.

Read More →
Three tactical backpacks set against a desert background with an inset logo for 5.11.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show

5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue background with Streamlight logo at top and inset images of one handgun light, two rifle lights, and one handheld light.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show

Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →
dark ballistic sunglasses against a blue smokey background
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

EOTech & Fast Metal Introduce the EOTech Halen Ballistic Spectacle System

Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.

Read More →
Black background, outline of Florida, headline 2 Officers Shot
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJanuary 14, 2026

2 Florida Officers Shot After Shots-Fired Call

Two officers were shot in Gainesville, Florida, by a man who police say was leaving an area where he had killed a man inside a business. The suspect exited his vehicle in what the chief termed an “ambush-style” attack.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue-tinted background photo of hand hanging up an office phone and headline Richmond Heights PD: Harassment and Threats Will Be Addressed Accordingly
PatrolJanuary 14, 2026

Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS

An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.

Read More →