PHOENIX — A 17-year-old is facing a 1st degree attempted murder charge after reportedly firing a rifle at Department of Public Safety troopers Thursday morning in Phoenix, and authorities are searching for a second suspect in connection with the incident.
DPS has identified the suspect in custody as 17-year-old Luis German Espinoza Acuna.
According to DPS Captain Jesse Galvez, on Thursday morning, two uniformed troopers were in their vehicle near 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street when suspects in a vehicle passed and stopped nearby.
The driver honked the horn as Acuna got out and started firing an assault rifle, according to DPS.
The troopers were able to exit their vehicle and return fire. At that point, the suspect reportedly sped off, leaving Acuna behind. He was then taken into custody.
To clarify, detectives believe this vehicle now has an unknown permanent license plate. If you recognize this vehicle and/or individual, please call 9-1-1. You may also submit a tip online at https://t.co/qGVVIAyiw4 by clicking on "Submit a Tip". (2/2) #AZTroopers
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) September 18, 2020
No DPS troopers were shot during the incident.
Pinal County Attorney's Office will be taking over the case, due to one of the troopers involved being in a relationship with an MCAO member.
PCAO says Espinoza Acuna is now facing 1st degree attempted murder, attempted aggravated assault, and drug possession charges.
It is unclear if he will be charged as an adult.
Authorities are still looking for the second suspect, who was in a four-door silver 2008-2013 Infiniti model G-37 vehicle with custom wheels and a temporary license plate. Anybody with information is urged to contact police. A description of the suspect wanted has not been released.
A Blue Alert connected to the shooting was issued around 12:30 p.m. The purpose of the Blue Alert is to notify the public "following a violent attack upon a law enforcement officer."
That #BlueAlert you just got on your phone is connected with a shooting involving DPS troopers this morning. One suspect is on the loose. No troopers hurt.
— Steve Irvin (@Steve_Irvin) September 17, 2020
Trooper-involved shooting near 35th Ave and Roosevelt https://t.co/9HabTh87PX
"The goal of the Blue Alert is to protect the public and officers through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in quick and safe apprehension of suspect(s) when such attacks occur," according to the DPS website.
For more information on Blue Alerts and what they are used for, click here.
