According to the Mesa Police Department, officers were initially responding to a report of possible gunfire around 6 a.m. near 96th Street and Hampton Avenue in east Mesa.
While searching the surrounding neighborhood, an officer stopped near 96th Street and Sunland Avenue with his emergency lights activated. Police say an unidentified explosive device was intentionally thrown toward his patrol vehicle and detonated nearby.
Surveillance footage from a neighboring property reportedly captured the frightening moment. The device appeared to be burning when it was thrown, landed on the ground and exploded several seconds later near the patrol car.
The officer managed to move away from the immediate danger and seek cover. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation after experiencing ringing in his ears. He was later released.
Two suspects arrested
Authorities identified the suspects as Christopher Byassee, 57, and Christopher Jones, 55. Both were arrested in connection with the incident.
Byassee faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a first responder, arson, criminal damage, depositing explosives and weapons-related offenses. Jones was booked on charges including arson and criminal damage.
Investigators also confirmed that a bomb squad examined the scene and determined that an improvised explosive device had detonated.
Police emphasized that the original shots-fired report was separate from the explosion. A nearby school was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution, but the restriction was subsequently lifted.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
The incident has raised serious concerns about officer safety and public security in the east Mesa neighborhood. Fortunately, the officer survived the explosion and was released from medical care.