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DPS vehicle shot in Avondale: Suspect arrested after multi-agency search

Posted at 10:32 AM, Mar 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-03 08:22:18-05

Police have arrested a suspect who opened fire on a marked Department of Public Safety vehicle during a traffic stop in Avondale on Thursday.

Avondale Police spokesman Jaret Redfearn said 29-year-old Luis Aldana was taken into custody near Interstate 17 and Dove Valley Road around 12:30 p.m.

Four West Valley schools were placed on lockdown while police searched for Aldana, who shot the trooper's car just before 10 a.m. near 107th Avenue and Thomas Road.

DPS spokesman Raul Garcia said the trooper pulled the suspect over for a window-tint violation when the suspect opened fire. The trooper, who was not hit, returned fire, and the man fled the scene.

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Aldana's vehicle was found parked outside an animal hospital near 111th Avenue and Indian School Road. Air15 video showed SWAT teams approaching and clearing the SUV as they searched the area for the suspect.

Multiple agencies were involved in the hours-long search, which ended near I-17 and Dove Valley, where Phoenix Police took the man into custody. Redfearn said the suspect was injured, but it was unclear if he had been shot.

Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies and Goodyear Police also assisted in the incident, according to Redfearn.

Westview High School, Arizona Preparatory Academy, Garden Lakes Elementary School, and Copper King Elementary School were all placed on lockdown as authorities went through neighborhoods searching for the shooter. Copper Springs Behavioral Hospital was also locked down.

Stay with ABC15 for updates on this breaking situation.