An armed robbery suspect who was shot and hospitalized early Friday by a Phoenix police officer had served three years in prison after he was convicted in a 2004 armed robbery, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Paul D. Koleda, 34, is accused of robbing a Circle K at Indian School Road and 83rd Avenue before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle.
Koleda crashed the stolen vehicle into a curb near another Circle K near Thomas Road and 67th Avenue, where he dropped to his knees and pulled a gun from somewhere on his body before one of more officers opened fire, Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump said.
Police said Koleda, who was wearing a mask at the time of the robbery, had demanded money and the convenience store clerk's car keys.
Koleda was taken to a hospital in serious condition, Crump said.
"Our officers felt that their lives were in danger," Crump said. "And of course they react to that."
Police tape spanned several lanes of traffic where the shooting happened. The door of the car that the man apparently crashed into a curb remained open and photographers took photos of the scene. Almost all lanes of traffic were closed down as police continued to investigate.
While it is not known how many shots were fired or how many officers fired at the man, one officer has been put on administrative leave, which is standard procedure after any shooting.
Note to self - when the police officer tells you to do something - do it!
For those who have trouble understanding this - here is an educational video