Gunman who used a baby as a human shield has shot five policemen.
Gatekeepers News reports that five Phoenix police officers have been shot and wounded at a home early, while four have been injured by a barrage of gunfire after being lured into a trap while rescuing a baby during a five-hour armed standoff.
A dramatic video from the scene showed a man emerging from the front door of the home with a child in his arms and a pink bag.
The man was seen placing the baby on the ground while raising his hands in the air, and walking backward toward the police, who handcuff him and take him into custody.
However, when additional officers rushed toward the scene to carry the baby to safety, more gunfire erupts from inside the residence, striking the cops, who immediately scampered for safety.
During a press conference, Police spokesman Sgt. Andrew Smith said there is nothing to suggest at this time that the man who carried out the baby was part of the ambush.
Although the gunman was later found dead inside the home, it’s unknown whether his death was self-inflicted, or not. His name is not being released pending the notification of the next of kin.
The woman at the home where police had gone in response to reported gunfire was also critically injured. The Police Spokesman said the female victim and the gunman were previously in a romantic relationship, and the baby is their child.
Police Chief Jeri Williams said “This is just one more example of the dangers that officers face every day keeping us and our community safe.
“If I seem upset, I am. This is senseless. It does not need to happen and it continues to happen over and over again.”
The Police Spokesman added that officers returned fire when the gunman opened fire on the police.
