An Apache Junction police officer was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries Monday morning after being shot by a driver brandishing a gun.

At about 9:30 a.m. June 2, the Apache Junction Police Department received a call reporting a vehicle with a driver with a firearm near Ironwood Road and Ray Avenue. An officer found a vehicle matching the description on Ironwood Road north of Radiance Avenue.

After making contact with the driver, he stepped out of the vehicle with the gun in his hand, and officers followed the 37-year-old south on Ironwood Road, where he continued with the firearm in his hand, police said.

“AJPD officers attempted to gain compliance from the male by use of verbal commands and less-lethal means, once they were in the area of Radiance Drive and Davis Drive,” a department release stated.

“The male shot at police officers, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire.”

A three-year veteran officer was struck as was the suspect, who also was taken to a hospital.

The incident is being investigated by the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team, with the Mesa Police Department serving as the lead investigative agency.

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