PHOENIX — Phoenix police say two people are dead and a police K-9 was injured during an incident near 19th Avenue and Dunlap Road early Thursday morning.
Police responded to a call of shots fired at an apartment complex around 3:40 a.m., when a caller reported hearing two men yelling at each other and then a gunshot.
Officers responded to the scene and an adult male shooting victim was found dead in the common area of the apartment complex.
The victim of the initial homicide was later identified as 30-year-old Demeatris Roberson.
Police were directed to an apartment with a potential suspect. Officers on scene say they then made contact and several adults were cooperative and exited the apartment.
Officers and a police K-9 entered the apartment at about 4:40 a.m., and 42-year-old Maurice Jackson opened fire, striking the K-9.
Officers retreated from the apartment and at that time, police say five officers discharged their weapons.
Jackson was shot by officers and also pronounced dead at the scene, and his handgun was recovered.
During the investigation, officers say they learned that Roberson and Jackson were known to each other and "had an ongoing dispute."
Officers believe this investigation supports that Jackson is a strong person of interest in the murder of Roberson.
Police say the K-9, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois named Dennis who has been on the police force for four years, is home and recovering.
"He saved the life of all of our officers today," a police spokesperson said, noting that the K-9 was trained to enter the apartment before the other officers.
Thank you for keeping K9 Dennis and his handler in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to make improvements. 🐾💙🐾 pic.twitter.com/jef4zObGZf
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) December 3, 2020
Police say the five officers involved in this incident have between 2-4 years of service.
Officials say the investigation is still underway.
