The northbound and southbound lanes of the Interstate 17 at Thomas Road have reopened following an officer-involved shooting overnight. The interstate was shut down in that area for more than 11 hours as police investigated the scene.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers at the scene reported a suspect had attempted to steal multiple cars at gunpoint.
After reportedly kidnapping a 22-year-old man and demanding he drive him to Mexico, authorities said the suspect attempted to steal three more vehicles and shot two men.
The Phoenix Fire Department said two men were in serious condition and sent to nearby trauma centers with gunshot wounds.
Two DPS troopers shot the suspect after reportedly seeing him point his gun at officers and passing motorists. DPS said no officers were hurt in the shooting.
The suspect is only being identified as 31-year-old male. He is expected to survive.
Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman, Peter Corbett, said while the shutdown affected traffic last night, it did little damage to this morning’s commute.
“It was pretty early, so we did start to see sort of a back-up, especially on the southbound side,” Corbett said. “But you know, the traffic has been heavier this morning just as a residual effect.”
ADOT and DPS have also reopened the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-10 connecting to I-17.
DPS said no officers were hurt in the shooting. However, the Phoenix Fire Department said two men were in serious condition and sent to nearby trauma centers with gunshot wounds following the incident at I-17 and Thomas Road.
