PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix police officer was hospitalized Monday morning following an accidental shooting at the Phoenix Police Department's South Mountain Precinct.

The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the back parking lot of the precinct, located near 7th and Southern avenues. According to police, the officer experienced an accidental discharge of his duty weapon, resulting in a non-life-threatening gunshot wound below his torso.

The injured officer was quickly attended to by fellow officers on the scene, who provided immediate first aid before emergency medical services arrived. The officer was then transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Medical staff have confirmed that his injuries are not life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Phoenix Police Department has not released the name of the injured officer or additional details about how the accidental discharge occurred. It remains unclear whether the officer was handling his weapon for routine maintenance, during a training exercise, or under other circumstances.

In response to the incident, the Phoenix Police Department has initiated an internal investigation to thoroughly examine the events leading up to the accidental discharge. This investigation will include a review of any relevant surveillance footage, interviews with witnesses, and an assessment of the officer’s actions to ensure adherence to safety protocols and departmental procedures.

Accidental discharges are rare but serious incidents within police departments. They often prompt a re-evaluation of safety training and procedures to prevent future occurrences. The Phoenix Police Department has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and training for all officers.

"The safety of our officers and the public is our top priority," said a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department. "We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand how this accidental discharge happened and to ensure it does not occur again in the future."

The incident has drawn attention to the importance of ongoing training and strict adherence to safety protocols when handling firearms. The department may consider additional training sessions or a review of current safety measures as part of their response to this event.

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided by the Phoenix Police Department. The department has expressed gratitude for the support and concern from the community and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation.

The South Mountain Precinct remains operational, and there has been no disruption to its services following the incident. The department is focused on supporting the injured officer's recovery while ensuring the safety and security of the precinct and the community it serves.