Two officers on fugitive apprehension detail were pursuing a suspect wanted on a felony warrant at about 3:20 p.m. Thornton, realizing he was being followed, collided with several other vehicles at 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Two people were injured in the crash - a 50-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman. Thornton fled on foot around a building. The officers got out of their car and chased Thornton. The suspect started shooting at the two officers. A third undercover officer with the fugitive apprehension squad appeared on the scene and heard gunshots. The officer saw the suspect shooting at the two other officers. The third officer shot and killed Thornton.
Victim's Name: William Thornton
Agency Responsible: Phoenix Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Race: White
Date of Death: March 3, 2014
County: Maricopa
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Unreported
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Unknown
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Suburban