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Navajo police officer involved in shooting

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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - A call for service led to a search and eventual shooting on the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Police Department - Window Rock District was dispatched to a disturbance call within the Hunters Point community south of St. Michaels, Ariz. about 6:46 pm on Oct. 17.

Upon their arrival, the suspect was reported to have left the residence possibly armed with a handgun and rifle. While conducting a search of the area, an officer made contact with the suspect, who pointed a rifle at the officer. In response to the threat, the officer discharged several rounds at the suspect, who then fled the area.

At the time, it was unclear if the suspect was struck by any of the rounds fired by the officer and a thorough search for the suspect was conducted. The suspect was found responsive, but suffering from a gunshot wound.

The officers administered first-aid to the subject prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel. The subject was transported to the hospital by ambulance and was later flown to Flagstaff Medical Center.

The condition of the suspect is not known as of Oct. 21. Officers involved in this incident were unharmed and placed on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The name of the officer and the individual involved in this incident will not be released at this time. The investigation into this incident will be conducted by the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the FBI.