TUCSON, AZ — Ten people were critically injured, and a suspect is in custody after a shooting involving police Sunday near downtown Tucson, according to the Tucson Police Department.

A man, identified as 21-year-old David Leroy French, is in life-threatening condition after an officer shot him while responding to gunfire that wounded several people near downtown early Sunday morning.

Police said the shooting happened near Congress Street and 6th Avenue around 2 a.m.

According to police, the incident began as a confrontation between two groups known to each other. Bystanders were hit when shots were fired.

As officers arrived, police said they encountered French running from the area. After giving French multiple commands, an officer fired his department-issued weapon, striking him.

Officers provided first aid to French before he was taken to a hospital in life-threatening condition, according to police.

Police located several people who were hurt in the initial shooting before officers arrived, most with gunshot wounds to their arms and legs. Officers provided medical aid until Tucson Fire Department crews arrived and transported the victims to hospitals.

Witnesses of the incident spoke with Scripps News Tucson, describing the chaos that ensued before gunfire erupted in downtown Tucson.

No officers were injured during the incident, according to police.

According to TPD, French has been charged with nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, nine counts of aggravated assault with serious physical injury and one count of discharge of a firearm at a structure.

Officials say French will be transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex when he is released from the hospital.

Investigators are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to contact 88-CRIME and reference Pima County Sheriff's Department case No. 260719048.

Gabby Giffords released the following statement on the mass shooting:

“My heart is with the victims of this senseless shooting, as well as their families. I am praying for swift and full recoveries for everyone who was injured. I know firsthand how devastating the injuries from a shooting can be, and my thoughts are with each person who was impacted,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “It is especially alarming to see another mass shooting in my hometown. As we await more information, what I know is this: Arizonans should be able to go get pizza on a Saturday night without fearing the next random act of gun violence. Arizona continues to have laws that make it easy for dangerous people to access guns — the time to act is now.”

Assistant House Democratic Leader Nancy Gutierrez released the following statement:

"The mass-casualty shooting early this morning in Downtown Tucson is another stark and tragic reminder that gun violence is a public health crisis in our country. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and hopefully on their way to recovery. And our brave police and first responders deserve our immense gratitude for a quick response that no-doubt saved lives.

But here is the bottom line: Gun violence and mass-casualty shootings do not have to be a fact of life in my city or anywhere in the country. It is outrageous and absurd that in the most powerful and successful nation in the world, friends, family and loved ones have to be wary and afraid to be in public spaces for fear of being shot. This and all acts of gun violence should be a wakeup call.

For years the vast majority of Arizonans have supported common-sense gun violence prevention legislation because they know it can and will reduce violent crime. Those measures, even small steps, are consistently blocked by the Republican majority that controls the Arizona State Legislature. If we want to keep our communities and families safe, we need Republicans to work with us, for once, to put their constituents ahead of the D.C. gun lobby and stop putting Arizonans’ lives at risk every day."

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover has released the following statement:

"In the early hours this morning, both the homicide phone and the officer-involved shooting phone went off among dedicated senior prosecutors at the Pima County Attorney's Office. Our senior leadership is still assisting after a mass shooting downtown this morning, and a team of victim advocates has been dispatched to the hospital where we are hopeful that all nine shooting victims may survive. There will be more information shared by the department and by our office as information develops, but I need to take a moment to stop and thank the officers of the Tucson Police Department who responded so quickly and effectively in a great time of need and for all the staff at the hospital now doing everything possible to keep our community members alive. Lastly, thank you to Criminal Chief Josh Moser, Deputy Criminal Chief Rachel Stiles, and Deputy Mario Gonzalez for your excellent work out at the scene through the early hours today."