GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY, AZ — Authorities say a search for a suspect forced several buildings in the Komatke area into lockdown for several hours Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Gila River Police Department, the Komatke clinic, District 6 service center and the north campus of Gila Crossing near 51st Avenue and Pecos Road were placed on lockdown just before 2 p.m.
Video from our Cliff Castle Chopper showed vehicles from at least two agencies, Gila River and Phoenix police, parked at several locations including a neighborhood and in a wash. The Phoenix Police Department's helicopter was also out circling the area.
HAPPENING NOW:
— Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) August 27, 2019
Phoenix PD’s helicopter is over the Gila River reservation - near 51st ave and Pecos. SWAT appears to be out here.
Multiple buildings are on lockdown.l @abc15 pic.twitter.com/d1aee74hij
A specific reason for the lockdown was not given, though a Phoenix police SWAT officer on scene said Phoenix police were assisting with looking for a violent fugitive who may be hiding in nearby brush.
The lockdown was lifted just after 4 p.m., though Gila River police said the incident was still in progress. Anyone traveling in the area was asked to use caution.
A message seeking further comment from Gila River police was not immediately returned.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC15 and abc15.com for updates.
