PHOENIX -- A Phoenix police officer was killed Tuesday by a man who was himself later fatally shot as he pointed a gun at a carjacking victim's head.

The officer, Nick Erfle, 33, had been trying to arrest the suspect on a warrant when the two got into a fight. That's when the suspect pulled his gun and fired, police spokesman Sgt. Joel Tranter said.

VIDEO: City Mourns Death Of Officer

As Erfle was taken to a hospital, police scrambled to find the suspect.

One after another, fellow Phoenix police officers and firefighters arrived at the medical center.

But police said by the time Erfle had been transported, it was too late.

Doctors pronounced the eight-year veteran of the department dead at 9:30 a.m.

Erfle leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 3 and 5. He had recently overcome a battle with testicular cancer.

"Once again, a hero has died protecting his community; once again, a hero has died too young," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon in a statement.

"This is an officer who was just getting to know his young family. He and his wife were still making the plans all young couples make," Gordon said.

"Today, they are left with too few memories and too much heartache. I share the grief of a caring community and continue to pray for his family," Gordon said.

Phoenix Vice Mayor Dave Siebert called Erfle's death a tragedy for the entire city.

"I ask you to have your prayers and your thoughts with his family because they're going to need it at this point in time," he said. "This has happened way too many times in the city of Phoenix."