A Tucson police officer and a suspect were both wounded in a shooting Monday night on the city's south side, the police chief said.
Chief Chris Magnus said the shooting happened at about 8 p.m. in the area of East 34th Street and South Park Avenue.
"An officer who was working a special assignment with gangs and narcotics enforcement was conducting an investigative stop at 34th and Park," said Magnus.
The officer stopped a man on a bicycle and the man, who was in his 20s, fled and the officer pursued him, Magnus said.
The chief said the man "fired at the officer, grazing him, and the officer returned fire and struck the suspect" multiple times. The shooting occurred in the street.Β
The officer, whose name was not released, was taken to Banner-University Medical Center Tucson. He had non-life threatening injuries, and was in good condition. He was conscious and talking, said Magnus, who went to the hospital.
The man the officer shot was also taken to Banner-UMC and was in critical condition, Magnus said. He said the suspect was in surgery late Monday night. Β
Magnus said the officer has been on the force for 12 years, and served in the Marines before joining the police department.
"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.
South Park Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets remained shut down late Monday night.
Sgt. Pete Dugan, a department spokesman, said side streets from South Fremont Avenue to Park were also closed. Fremont Avenue is east of Park.
