The Phoenix Police Department has recently made public a Critical Incident Briefing video concerning an officer-involved shooting that transpired on November 28. According to the briefing, the situation unfolded after Phoenix Police were summoned to a location near 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road, responding to a call about an ongoing altercation. The individual who placed the call was reportedly following a car, concerned that the driver—the subject of a harassment complaint by a family member—was armed.
The video, which includes audio and visual content alongside detailed information, tells the narrative of the escalating events. As officers attempted to pull over the vehicle in question, the driver chose to quickly accelerate instead of yielding, prompting the officers to eventually lose sight of him. The search continued within the surrounding area, leading to the discovery of the SUV, now abandoned, in front of a residence near 83rd Avenue and Osborn Road. It was then, upon approaching the house, that an officer heard a gunshot.
People soon emerged from the abode, informing the approaching officer that a man, who had discharged his weapon in the backyard at one of them, was still on the premises. Additional police hastily convened to encircle the property. It was during this procedure, as documented by the police department, that the suspect was spotted wielding a gun and subsequently raised it toward officers, which led to one officer firing his rifle.
The aftermath saw the utilization of an Arwen 37mm launcher, a device designed for less-lethal intervention, to safely engage the armed individual. "An Arwen is a 37mm launcher that fires a less-lethal direct impact baton which is designed to deliver pain compliance," described the statement released by the Phoenix Police Department. Unfortunately, despite the efforts to subdue him non-lethally, the man succumbed to his injuries on-site.
A handgun was recovered near the deceased at the scene. The involved officer, with seven years of service, is from the Maryvale-Estrella Mountain Precinct. The department is conducting two investigations: an internal review and a criminal investigation. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will review the findings once the criminal investigation ends. Body-worn camera footage released to the media has been redacted to protect personal information, but unedited versions will be available for legal proceedings.
