A Tucson police officer suffered a grazing bullet wound to the side of his head in a shooting with a man whom officers had attempted to stop Monday night on the city’s south side.
The suspect, identified as Marcus de la Torre, 33, was shot several times by officers during the incident, which happened at about 8 p.m. in the area of East 34th Street and South Park Avenue.
Officers Robert Orduno and Robert Miranda were working a special assignment with gangs and narcotics enforcement when they saw a man on a motorized bicycle commit a traffic violation, according to a police news release.
The officers attempted to stop the man, but he refused to pull over and committed several other traffic violations, police said.
The suspect eventually jumped off the motorized bicycle and ran from officers. During the chase, shots were exchanged between the man and the officers.
Miranda was struck by one of the bullets, which grazed the side of his head, police said. The man they were chasing was shot several times by the officers.
Officers at the scene treated Miranda and De la Torre with their first-aid kits as they waited for paramedics. Miranda was taken to Banner-University Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life-threatening wounds. He has been released from the hospital, police said.
De la Torre was also taken to Banner-UMC, where he underwent surgery late Monday. He was reported in stable condition Tuesday, police said.
Once released from the hospital, De la Torre is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and being a prohibited possessor, police said.
Police Chief Chris Magnus, who was at the hospital Monday night, said Miranda was conscious and talking at the hospital.
“It was a very, very close call. I am very grateful that the officer’s injuries weren’t more serious,” Magnus said. “This obviously highlights the risks here in Tucson” that officers face, said the chief.
Magnus said Miranda has been on the force for 12 years and served in the Marines before joining the department. Orduno has been on the force for 10 years.
Police said De la Torre has an “extensive criminal history” including aggravated assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, probation violation, unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle, burglary and drug possession.
