A family tragedy unfolded in a quiet Tempe mobile home park when a 55-year-old man allegedly killed his 77-year-old stepfather, leading to a police shooting on Friday morning. According to Tempe Police Sgt. Ryan Cook, in a statement to Arizona's Family, officers were dispatched to Meadows Mobile Home Park after a chilling 911 call made by the suspect's mother claiming that her son had killed her husband.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 7 a.m. near 48th Street and Southern Avenue, escalated after the responding officers, surrounding the home, demanded the son exit the residence; the son emerged with a firearm and at first turned the weapon on himself before pointing it at the police, at which point a 16-year veteran officer of the Tempe Police department fired his weapon, striking the man, as per FOX 10 Phoenix. The aftermath of this confrontation witnessed a large police presence and crime scene tape encapsulating the scene.
Authorities have disclosed through a public statement from the Tempe Police Department that the son is currently receiving medical attention following surgery, though the exact nature of his injuries remains undisclosed. The officer involved is on post-critical incident leave pending the investigation, the department stated, adhering to its policy when an officer discharges a weapon in the line of duty.
No police officers sustained injuries during the incident, and while the names of both the suspect and the victim have not been officially released, it has been confirmed that the officer involved had over 16 years of service, he is on paid leave following standard procedure in the wake of a use-of-force situation; this being the 35th incident involving officer discharge of a firearm this year in the Phoenix-area and the 59th statewide, according to surveys.
Tempe Police are urging anyone with information on this incident to reach out, and for those coping with distress, they recommend contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which offers free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to civilians and veterans alike at 1-800-273-8255 or through a text message to 741-741. If you need emotional support or are experiencing a crisis, don't hesitate to call and speak with a trained crisis counselor.
