Phoenix shooting, fire leaves 5 dead; police dodge bullets

The shooting happened at a home in the area of 17th Avenue and Buckeye Road, authorities said.

Police say a man died in Phoenix after his vehicle collided with another in an accident overnight.

The boy was in critical condition at the hospital, officials said.

Additional details were not immediately available.

Police said it appears that the suspect shot four of his or her family members early Tuesday morning. The first officers on scene went into the house because they felt they had to act quickly, Crump said.

Crump said the suspect would shoot at first responders who were trying to get inside the home to help those who were hurt and to put out the flames. The initial 911 call reportedly claimed a family of four was under fire inside their house. Phoenix police have revealed that the alleged gunman shot and killed his relatives after setting portions of their home on fire. Dozens of fire units have responded to the blaze.

Smoke from a second fire was billowing from the roof around 6:45 a.m. The fire was under control around 7:30 a.m. Media gathered outside reported hearing gunshots coming from the house as well.

She went outside, heard two popping noises, saw 15 police vehicles speed toward the house, heard more popping and smelled smoke, she said.

A fire captain at the scene confirmed three people died at the scene.

Journalists were being kept hundreds of feet from the home and at least one local television station cut away from showing live video from a helicopter.