Phoenix police officer dies after shootout with burglary suspect

PHOENIX, May 20 (UPI) -- A Phoenix police officer died late Thursday after being shot while investigating a burglary, officials said.

Officer David Glasser, 35 and with the department for 12 years, worked in the department's Neighborhood Enforcement Team in the Maryvale precinct. He was part of a team that focused on eliminating crime in specific communities.

Police said Glasser responded to a call on Wednesday from a homeowner who said his son was stealing firearms from his home. When Glasser and other officers arrived, the suspect was inside a parked van in the driveway. The suspect opened fire, hitting Glasser. The suspect was later found dead in the van.

Glasser was flown to a local hospital in critical condition. He later died.

"Dave served his community, and he continues to serve by donating his organs to people he doesn't even know. We lost a hero, we lost an outstanding member of our community. A father and great police officer, Dave was an inspiration to his co-workers and to this community," Phoenix police Chief Joe Yahner said.

Glasser grew up in the Phoenix area, attending Moon Valley High School and Arizona State University. He was an avid fan of the Phoenix Cardinals football team.

"It broke my heart," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said about Glasser's death. "I try not to get too emotional, but every day our police officers and firefighters and emergency medical people run out and don't know if they're coming home. They are really the true heroes in this city. It's not football players and football coaches. We play games."

Glasser, who was married and has two children, was the 38th Phoenix police officer to die in the line of duty.