Phoenix Cop Shot Multiple Times, Hospitalized Tuesday

PHOENIX, AZ — A Phoenix police officer is in St. Joseph's Hospital in critical condition after being shot in the area of 15th Avenue and Camelback Road, police said early Tuesday.

Tyler Moldovan, who graduated from the police academy in March and just recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, was shot multiple times, according to police.

Essa Williams, 24, is the accused shooter, according to police. He's been booked into the Maricopa County Jail on suspicion of attempted first degree murder, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and resisting arrest.

"He is married, and is loved by his wife, parents, brother, and extended family," said Phoenix Police Sgt. Ann Justus in an email. "Officer Moldovan is critically injured and is currently fighting for his life."

Moldovan was investigating reports of vehicles driving erratically around 2 a.m. Tuesday near 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, when they found a car matching the description of one of the cars driving erratically parked at an apartment complex near the intersection of 15th Avenue and Camelback Road. The car was empty, but Moldovan found Williams hiding behind a short apartment patio wall, police said.

When Moldovan began speaking to Williams, Williams is accused of pulling out a gun and shooting Moldovan multiple times, according to police.

Moldovan was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital while officers took Williams into custody, police said in a news release.

"This is a devastating reminder of the dangers faced by those who have chosen to protect and serve our community 24/7," Phoenix Police said in a news release. "Please keep Officer Moldovan, his family, friends, and the entire Phoenix Police Department in your thoughts and prayers."