PHOENIX — A man who was reportedly threatening a child with a machete on Wednesday night was shot by Phoenix police officers.
Officials say it happened around 10 p.m. near 31st Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
According to Phoenix Police Department officials, the call was first dispatched as a domestic violence incident at an apartment complex. When officers arrived, they reportedly found 35-year-old Wilson Melgar in an apartment, who was threatening a child by his side with a machete.
"Less lethal" means were used while attempting to negotiate with the Melgar, but police say they were ineffective and officers shot him.
Officers were then able to disarm the Melgar and remove the child from his grasp. The child, only identified as a toddler, was not seriously hurt during the incident.
Melgar reportedly suffered a life-threatening injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was later released and booked into jail.
Police have not yet confirmed the relationship between Melgar and the child.
