Local
Mesa Police Vehicle Damaged by Explosion During Shots-Fired Investigation; Officer Hospitalized
An explosion damaged a Mesa police patrol vehicle early Thursday as officers searched for a shots-fired suspect near 96th Street and Southern Avenue. The officer was taken to a hospital as a precaution, and two active investigations are underway.
MESA, Ariz. â A Mesa police patrol vehicle was damaged by an explosion early Thursday morning while officers were investigating reports of gunfire in a neighborhood south of Southern Avenue, authorities said.
Officers were dispatched to a shots-fired call near 96th Street and Hampton Avenue just after 6 a.m., according to the Mesa Police Department. While searching the surrounding neighborhoods, one officer reported that an explosion had damaged his vehicle near 96th Street and Sunland Avenue, roughly half a mile north of the initial call location.
The officer who reported the explosion was taken to a hospital as a precaution, police said. No further information on the officer's condition was immediately available.
Investigations are active at both scenes, which sit between Ellsworth and Crismon roads in east Mesa. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area while officers and investigators work.
It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion or whether it was connected to the initial shots-fired report. Police did not say whether any suspects had been identified or taken into custody.
The incident underscores the unpredictable risks officers face when responding to reports of gunfire in residential neighborhoods, and it comes as Mesa continues to see steady calls for service across its sprawling east side. Residents with information about the case are encouraged to contact the Mesa Police Department.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.