If social media is any indication, people in Maricopa are wondering: what is a Blue Alert Warning?

Cellphones clanged about 12:35 p.m. Thursday with the public safety message.

“Blue Alert Warning in this area until 11:38PM UMST Monitor or TV,” it said.

The message, with no link for more information, had many people jumping on Google to learn more about Blue Alerts and what happened to prompt the public safety message.

The Blue Alert Foundation has developed the Blue Alert system to help law enforcement speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. It was developed after the success of similar alerts, including Amber Alerts for missing children and Silver Alerts for missing seniors, in many states across the country.

On Thursday morning, state authorities issued the alert after Department of Public Safety detectives took gunfire in Phoenix, according to the agency.

The suspect who fired multiple rounds at the officers was apprehended, DPS said on Twitter.

He was the passenger in a silver 2008-2013 Infinity model G-37 with custom wheels, according to DPS. The has a temporary plate and appears to have chipped paint below the license plate area.

Authorities are still seeking the driver and vehicle, and have asked the public’s help in locating them. If suspect or vehicle is seen, citizens are asked to please call 9-1-1 immediately.

The shooting occurred at 37th Avenue and Portland Street in Phoenix.

The gun involved in the shooting was an assault rifle, a DPS spokesman told KTAR News 92.3 FM. Detectives reportedly returned fire.

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