MESA, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — The Mesa Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened late Thanksgiving night.
Initial reports of a heavy police presence came in around 11 p.m. to the neighborhood near Horne and Southern Avenue. According to police, officers were trying to stop Joaquin Santiago Orozco, 23, for a traffic violation. After failing to stop, two officers in a patrol vehicle followed him. As police were driving on Franklin Avenue, the officers were hit by the suspect as he was making a right-hand turn. At that point, Orozco tried taking off before hitting another vehicle. As Orozco reversed, both officers fired their guns toward him. Orozco fled, and police later found the getaway car a short distance away.
An officer made contact with Orozco near 8th Avenue and Center Street where he was reportedly shirtless. He tried to run away, but officers were able to take him into custody without incident. One officer was rushed to the hospital as a precaution after suffering a minor head injury from the wreck. That officer has since been released from the hospital.
Orozco faces multiple aggravated charges including DUI, endangerment, reckless driving, and unlawful flight from law enforcement.
This marks the 58th officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County so far this year, according to Arizona’s Family records.
Arizona’s Family has a crew on the way to the scene. Check back for updates.
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