Phoenix cop hailed as hero after dying from shootout
PHOENIX -- A 12-year veteran of the Phoenix police force has died following an exchange of gunfire that also left the 19-year-old suspect dead, authorities said.
Officer David Glasser died Thursday, a day after he was shot while responding to a call about a son stealing guns from his father.
Trying to hold back tears, Police Chief Joe Yahner said the memory and service of Glasser "will be honored from this day forward."
"He embodied what a Phoenix police officer is," Yahner said. "Dave served his community and he continues to serve right now as he is donating his organs for the betterment of people he doesn't even know."
Glasser was married and had a son and daughter, CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reports. He grew up in Phoenix and graduated from Arizona State University.
"We lost a hero," Yahner said. "We lost an outstanding member of our community, a father and a great police officer."
Mayor Greg Stanton called it a dark day. "Our entire city is hurting," he said.
Glasser had been in critical condition since Wednesday's shooting in suburban Laveen.
Investigators say Glasser and his partner responded after a homeowner called 911 and reported his son was stealing guns. The officers parked behind a car in the driveway without knowing an armed man was inside, police say.
The man opened fire when the officers got out of their car. Police returned fire, killing 19-year-old Israel Santos-Banos, then turned their attention to Glasser.
"They did everything they could to place Officer Glasser in a position of safety and rendered aid," Yahner said. "The officers' actions at the scene were heroic and I'm very proud of them."
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state government buildings lowered to half-staff to honor Glasser.