Phoenix police officer in critical condition after being shot overnight
A Phoenix police officer is hospitalized in critical condition after being shot multiple times overnight.
Officials say an investigation into a driver doing donuts led police to the area of 15th Avenue and Camelback Road. Officers were searching an apartment complex when someone opened fire on Tyler Moldovan.
Chief Jeri Williams said at a news conference that medical staff are doing everything they can to save his life.
“Officer Moldovan just celebrated his 22nd birthday. He’s been with our department for a year and a half. He graduated the academy in March of this year and recently became a solo officer,” she said.
Williams said a suspect is in custody.
Jeff Barton, Phoenix city manager, released this statement:
"It is a difficult day for our city of Phoenix family. Overnight, a young Phoenix Police officer was shot while searching an apartment complex near 15th Avenue and Camelback.
Tyler Moldovan was new to the force, graduating from the Police Academy earlier this year. At just 22-years-old, Tyler was someone destined for public service as part of a family with a rich history of serving the community.
Today Tyler and his family need your thoughts and prayers. A tragedy like this is difficult at any time of year, but it’s amplified even more during the holiday season when activities are increasingly focused on our families. I hope you’ll keep Tyler, his wife, his parents and his brother in your thoughts and prayers.
We also acknowledge the commitment of all our Phoenix Police officers and staff. Despite this somber day for our work family, they are answering the 911 calls and responding to the needs of our community. I want to thank each of you for your commitment, professionalism, and willingness to do what we are reminded again today, is a dangerous job.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire department, the Moldovan family and most importantly, Tyler. I hope you’ll all join me as we unite the power of our collective 14,000 employees to support them in this difficult time."
Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Michael "Britt" London issued the following statement on Tuesday afternoon:
"The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association is saddened by the shooting of Phoenix police Officer Tyler Moldovan. Officer Moldovan is a rising star within the department, representing the next-generation of public safety leaders committed to serving and protecting our community.
The men and women of the Phoenix Police Department are selfless and brave community servants who go above and beyond each day, risking their lives to keep our neighborhoods safe. We thank each of them for continued service during these challenging times.
This is a difficult day for our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and we will continue to keep Officer Moldovan and his family in our thoughts and prayers."
KJZZ's Christina Estes contributed to this story.
