An armed robbery suspect who was struck by a Phoenix police SUV was released from the hospital and taken to jail over the weekend, according to authorities.
The Phoenix Police Department reported that Eddy Ortega Romero, 28, was hurt while being taken into custody on June 7.
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On Saturday, Maricopa County’s Fourth Avenue Jail took Ortega Romero into custody on seven counts of burglary, aggravated assault, and possession of a banned weapon. His bond amount was set at $150,450.
He’s suspected of snatching a housekeeper’s purse from a hotel near 48th Avenue and McDowell Road while flashing a revolver.
Officers discovered a man matching the armed robbery suspect’s description at a petrol station on 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road.
How was Phoenix armed robbery suspect taken into custody?
When police attempted to stop him, Ortega Romero fled onto McDowell Road, allegedly reaching into his shorts for a weapon. This prompted an officer to strike the man with his patrol vehicle.
Authorities seized a revolver from Ortega Romero’s shorts while the SUV’s tire pinned his leg.
Authorities rushed him to the hospital for treatment of his ankle injuries.
The cop who collided with the suspect is under investigation for both criminal and administrative violations.
The Phoenix Police Department issued a critical incident briefing video regarding the case last week.
“Conclusions about whether the actions of the officer are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until the facts are known and the investigation is complete,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said in video.
