(Image source from: AZCentral.com)

Phoenix:
A robbery suspect fleeing on a bicycle was shot Monday in central Phoenix by a police officer who happened to be in the area, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The armed suspect is expected to survive his injuries, according to police spokesman Sgt. Vince Lewis. The officer suffered a minor hand injury while toppling the suspect from his bicycle. He remained at the scene to be interviewed by investigators, Lewis said.

According to police, it all started around 5:30 p.m. when the suspect stole a necklace from a man who was on foot near the CVS at Central Avenue and McDowell Road.

The victim chased the suspect as he rode south on Central Avenue, and then flagged down an officer who happened to be driving through the area

"The officer observed the chase and exited the Tahoe. He heard the victim yelling that he was just robbed," Lewis explained Tuesday. "The officer attempted to detain the suspect. In doing so, the suspect struck the curb and fell off of the bicycle."

When the suspect, who has not been identified, hit the ground, he pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer, police said.

Lewis said the officer shot the suspect, but the suspect managed to get up and run.

According to a witness who asked not to be identified, the suspect stumbled to the front entrance of the nearby Artisan Lofts condo complex.

"With the assistance of responding police, and use of pepper spray, the non-compliant suspect was taken into custody," Lewis said. "The suspect was transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition."

Investigators shut down Central Avenue near McDowell Road for several hours to gather evidence. They also shuttered the nearby light rail station.

This is the 35th officer-involved shooting in the Valley so far in 2018.

By Lokesh