Bomb-Scare Bozo Shot by Police Survives; Charged With Attempted Murder of Police Officer

A Phoenix man who called 9-1-1 to report a fake bomb scare, then started shooting at responding officers before getting capped by the cops, has survived his gunshot wounds — and now he’s in some serious trouble.

Phoenix’s Derek Eckles, 28, was released from the hospital Saturday and booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail on one count each of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, endangerment, and aggravated assault.

Scottsdale police say Eckles called 9-1-1 about 4:30 a.m. on June 10 to report a bomb had gone off at the Clarion Hotel at 5101 North Scottsdale Road, where he was staying as a guest. Eckles hung up on the 9-1-1 operator before providing details.

Police called the front desk of the hotel to find out if other guests had reported hearing a bomb go off. They were told someone said they heard a loud noise in the room above theirs.

Meanwhile, Eckles again called 9-1-1, asking where the cops were. Like the first call, he hung up without providing any details about the bombing.

Officers arrived at Eckles room, knocked, and were met by bullets flying through the door.

Luckily, the two officers were standing on the sides of the door and weren’t hit.

The officers took cover as Eckles continued to blast away at the closed door from inside the hotel room.

After a few minutes, Eckles emerged from the room with a semi-automatic pistol, which he continued to fire at the officers. One of the officers returned fire, hitting him in the torso.

Apparently unfazed by the bullet that hit him in the chest, Eckles ran from the officers into the parking lot of a neighboring business, where he ultimately surrendered.

Eckles was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for the gunshot wound and released into police custody.