Scottsdale police sergeant hurt in downtown Phoenix shooting; suspect on the loose

Posted For: 🇺🇸 Kari ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ

PHOENIX – A manhunt is underway for a suspect accused of shooting a Scottsdale police sergeant in downtown Phoenix.

According to Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther, the incident began at around 7:00 p.m. when members of the Scottsdale Police’s Special Assignments Unit were serving a search warrant at an apartment complex near 1st Avenue and Roosevelt.

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Kenneth Hearne, was wanted for a number of unspecified offenses.

When Scottsdale authorities arrived at the apartment, a woman and child came out. Hearne was spotted inside and ducked behind a wall, police said.

Detectives were trying to talk to him when they were shot at through the wall, and a sergeant was hit. Officers shot back, but it is unknown if Hearne was struck.

The sergeant was reportedly shot in the abdomen. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries.

As for the suspect, Chief Walther said Hearne fled over a balcony and remains on the loose. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, although police said he was likely not looking to harm the public.

Anyone who sees Hearne is asked to call 911, contact Phoenix Police or Silent Witness of 480-WITNESS.

While not connected, the shooting took place as parts of downtown Phoenix were holding an art-themed event known as First Friday.

The light rail was affected by the shooting, with eastbound trains picking up passengers at the westbound stations in the downtown area. Service has since returned to normal.

http://

For #DTPHX: Please stay clear of Roosevelt Row and surrounding neighborhoods.

A @ScottsdalePD officer was shot —and the suspect is armed and still has not been found. @PhoenixPolice have locked down the area.

— Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari (@District7PHX) January 7, 2023