PHOENIX - A family of five is dead after a shooting and fire at a home in Phoenix, according to officials.
Phoenix police said it appears that the suspect, who has not been identified, shot four of his family members inside the home near 47th Avenue and Cactus Road early Tuesday morning. Police said the suspect may be the brother or son of the victims.
A child, between the ages of 8 and 12, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but died, said Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump.
A motive for the shooting is not known.
Officers were initially called to the home after someone inside reported being shot.
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When crews arrived on the scene, the scene turned into an "active shooter" situation and the home was on fire.
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. Those first responders had to then put on tactical gear and carry fire hoses to the home.
"I've seen things out here today that I haven't seen in 30 years..." Active shooter, victims inside, house on fire - Sgt. Trent Crump #ABC15
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There was a 45-minute "lull," according to Crump, where the fire was out and there was no gunfire. After that, Phoenix-based KNXV crews heard more gunshots from inside the house and then the fire re-ignited.
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As firefighters were on the roof battling the fire, the flames grew very large forcing three firefighters to quickly get off the roof.
Police then updated reporters and said the suspect was "down," but it was not known if the suspect was shot by officers or had shot himself. The shooter is dead, said police.
One officer was taken to the hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.