Police say the son in a family shot four dead, including a 12-year-old girl, before responders battled a blaze in the Phoenix home.
Five people are dead, including a 12-year-old girl, after police say the son in a Phoenix family shot four others and then himself inside their burning home.
Before 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, police say one of the injured family members called 911 and said someone in the family had opened fire.
Soon after the 911 call, authorities say the house caught fire and was all but engulfed as responders arrived. Shots were exchanged as they tried to enter, according to azcentral.com.
Police initially believed the shooter had killed himself but have since confirmed he was killed by authorities.
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Inside, police found four dead, including the shooter. The 12-year-old girl was transported to a hospital, where she died from her injuries.
According to Phoenix Police Sgt. Crump, a police officer suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton addressed reporters outside the home about 8 a.m. Pacific, where he lauded the heroism of first responders and called the tragedy an example of "unspeakable violence."
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"Police officers had to put on fire equipment to enter a burning house to battle both flames and an assailant who had shot his family, and who was still armed and still firing," Stanton said in a statement.
"This situation was extremely dangerous and required quick thinking, flawless coordination and unimaginable personal courage. Our prayers go out to the victims. And our city’s unending gratitude is extended today for our heroic first responders from Phoenix and Glendale."
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