Trooper in ‘good spirits’ after being shot multiple times in north Phoenix; 2 suspects in custody

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- The Arizona Department of Public Safety says a trooper “is in good spirits” after being shot multiple times Thursday afternoon in north Phoenix. Two suspects are now jailed in connection with the shooting.

According to DPS, the trooper was conducting an investigation in the area of 19th Avenue just north of Loop 101 shortly before 1 p.m. when he was shot at by a suspect, since identified as 34-year-old Howard Lamar Johnson. Hours after the shooting, Phoenix Police tracked Johnson to a Glendale apartment complex near 67th and Olive avenues in Glendale. However, Johnson barricaded himself inside an apartment, but authorities were able to take him into custody. Investigators later released details of a second suspect, Sonia Hernandez, 27, who faces multiple charges for helping Johnson get away.

Johnson was taken to the hospital with injuries from the original incident with DPS, but later released. Johnson and Hernandez have been booked into the Maricopa County jail on various charges.

Col. Jeffrey Glover, DPS director, said in a news release Friday afternoon the trooper is expected to make a full recovery. “Having spoken with the trooper and his family, I am optimistic he will be back on the road in due time, protecting the citizens of Arizona with his brave and selfless service,” Col. Glover said.

The trooper’s identity has not been released.

Video from Thursday’s scene showed an extensive law enforcement presence where multiple DPS and Phoenix patrol vehicles blocked off a large portion of 19th Avenue north of the freeway on and off-ramps.

This is the 32nd officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County and the 41st in the state in 2023.

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