Arizona man accused of shooting 3 police officers, setting home on fire

Credit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

Credit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

An Arizona man is accused of shooting three officers Monday, hiding inside a home and eventually setting it on fire, authorities said.

Rigoberto Polanco Jimenez, 35, was arrested Tuesday, KNXV reported.

According to court documents, a Chandler Police Department officer was attempting to speak with Jimenez around 1 a.m. Monday when the man fled, the television station reported. Police said Jimenez fired shots at the officer, who was hit in the leg, KTVK reported.

The officer was taken to an area hospital, the television station reported.

Police conducted a search in the area and found Jimenez inside the bathroom of a nearby home, KTVK reported.

According to court documents, Jimenez began shooting at the six officers who had entered the house. Two were wounded and were taken to a hospital.

"Had (they) not been wearing his body-worn body armor, it's very likely that we would be talking about something very different today," Chandler Police Department Sgt. Jason McClimans told KTVK.

Jimenez managed to escape after setting fire to the home and went to a nearby apartment complex, KNXV reported.

Police were able to find him and take him into custody, the television station reported.

According to police, Jimenez admitted to his involvement and said he did not realize the first person who contacted him was a police officer, the television station reported.

All three officers have been released from area hospitals.

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