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Carjacking Suspect Fatally Shot By Officer In Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix police say a carjacking suspect is dead after being shot by a police officer in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

Sgt. Trent Crump said one officer was injured, apparently in a collision involving the suspect.

That officer's condition is not known, but Crump said the shooting and collision occurred as the carjacking suspect left a parking garage.

The shooting occurred at Jefferson Street between 1st and Central Avenues, and multiple streets were currently closed or restricted to traffic on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Phoenix Public Transit Department. Jefferson Street between 1st and Central Avenues is closed or restricted and is expected to remain restricted until approximately 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday night. 1st Avenue is also closed southbound at Washington Street with traffic being allowed to turn westbound onto Washington Street. It is severely restricted.

The restrictions will also delay light rail and bus service in downtown Phoenix anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on the route.  Light rail is currently operating in bi-directional mode along one track between Roosevelt and 12th Streets. The situation caused Valley Metro Light Rail to shut down a portion of track in the area earlier in the day. Spokeswoman Hillary Foose said the train routes temporarily changed near 1st Avenue and Jefferson.

“Passengers should be advised to not look for train service on 1st Avenue, as there’s a closure, but to move a block north or east to find train service going in both directions using Washington and Central Avenue," Foose said.

Foose said Valley Metro also has sent some additional buses to the area and they will have special head signs that read “Bus To Rail.” Those buses will take light rail passengers to the nearest stops not affected by the police investigation.

RAPID and Express riders should check electronic passenger signs to get up-to-date trip information. Since this delay could extend until last trips begin on most bus routes around 10 p.m., Phoenix Public Transit Department recommends passengers travel earlier if possible and arrive earlier at their stops.

According to the Valley Metro, West Valley Express bus riders, 562, 563, 571, 573, will need to walk west of 4th Avenue on Jefferson or to Central Avenue on Van Buren, westbound or north side of the road, to connect with their bus. Buses will be detoured from Jefferson, south on 4th Avenue, east on Jackson, north on 4th Street, east on Jefferson Street, north on 5th Street, west on Washington Street and north on Central Avenue to Van Buren.   

KJZZ's Steve Shadley and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Updated 3/18/2014 at 4:24 p.m.