Mass shooting rocks crowded downtown Tucson district, leaving 10 wounded
At least 10 people were wounded in a mass shooting in downtown Tucson, Arizona, early Sunday morning after a gunman opened fire in a crowded entertainment district, according to officials.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, allegedly tried to flee the scene before he was shot by a responding police officer, the Tucson Police Department (TPD) said. He was taken to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.
No deaths were reported, but nine victims suffered gunshot wounds, according to Mayor Regina Romero. Police said the victims sustained gunshot wounds primarily to their extremities, including their arms and legs.
GUNFIRE SHATTERS TORONTO LATIN STREET FESTIVAL, LEAVING AT LEAST 2 DEAD AND MULTIPLE WOUNDED
"Last night, Tucson experienced another serious and senseless act of gun violence," Romero said in a statement Sunday. "A shooter recklessly began shooting in a crowded area striking nine people before being stopped by a Tucson Police Officer."
Police said the shooting unfolded around 2 a.m. in the 100 block of East Congress Street, a downtown area known for its bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Officers patrolling nearby reportedly heard multiple gunshots and immediately responded on foot, where they encountered a man running from the scene.
TOLEDO POLICE NAME SUSPECT KA NYE TAYLOR IN FESTIVAL SHOOTING THAT INJURED 12, HUNT SECOND GUNMAN
After the suspect allegedly ignored repeated commands from officers, a uniformed officer fired his weapon, striking the fleeing suspect, TPD said.
Police took the suspect into custody and rendered first aid before Tucson Fire Department personnel transported him to a local hospital.
Responding officers also provided emergency medical aid to several victims before firefighters arrived. All the victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
No officers were injured in the incident.
"Thanks to the quick actions and excellent care provided by our firefighters and police officers, all victims were stabilized and taken to the hospital where we are hopeful they will all recover," Romero said.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. TPD will also be conducting a separate investigation to determine if any policy violations occurred.
The Democratic mayor also condemned the shooting and pointed to what she described as Arizona's weak gun safety laws.
"Easy access to guns and Arizona’s weak gun safety laws have continued to put all of us at risk," Romero said. "From requiring universal background checks to extreme risk laws to funding violence prevention there is more lawmakers can and should do."
Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.