x
Breaking News
More () »

Apache Junction officer awake and alert after shootout with suspects in stolen car

The shooting happened near Main Street and Crismon Road around 4 p.m. Tuesday.

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — The Apache Junction Police Department officer who was injured during a shooting on Tuesday has been identified. 

Officer Brian Brugman, 29, had been with the department for more than four years and was promoted to motorcycle officer in January.

Police said Brugman was among the officers who stopped a black pickup truck that was reported stolen around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday near Main Street and Crismon Road. 

That's when a shootout between the officers and a suspect ensued.

Investigators said the truck was involved in a separate pursuit earlier this week but managed to evade police at the time.

When the truck was spotted outside a smoke shop, police tried to arrest the two suspects inside when they allegedly tried to ram officers.

At that point, officers fired shots into the truck, and police said one suspect fired back, striking Brugman in the neck.

Brugman was rushed to Mountain Vista Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. Police said he is awake and alert as of Wednesday morning.

One suspect has been arrested while the second suspect was wounded during the shootout and was also transported to a hospital.

Neither of the suspects have been identified.

Investigators say there is no active threat to the community.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will take over the investigation.

Credit: Apache Junction PD
Brian Brugman

This is a breaking news story. Stay with 12 News for the latest.

Before You Leave, Check This Out