The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) revealing details and footage related to an in-custody death that took place on January 10, 2025. The incident unfolded in the afternoon at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road where Phoenix police officers were trying to apprehend a man wanted for an out-of-state felony parole violation warrant and for questioning in connection with a local armed robbery.
Upon engagement, the suspect, equipped with a firearm, failed to obey police commands and fled the scene. Phoenix officers gave chase, subsequently cornering the man atop the roof of a residential home. The officers, strategically positioned behind and in front of the house, employed less-lethal 37-millimeter launchers to coerce him down – a method intended to induce pain compliance.
A drone was also utilized in the effort to track the man's movements during the episode. Despite multiple rounds being fired from the launchers, not every projectile struck the target. Following the last use of the less-lethal tools, the man descended from the roof, and in the ensuing altercation with the officers, one officer used several forearm strikes to subdue and handcuff the individual. Officers later recovered a handgun close to where the man shed his shirt during the pursuit.
Paramedics from the Phoenix Fire Department were called and, after evaluating the man, determined he could be released back into police custody. Later, while still detained, the man complained of difficulty breathing which prompted officers to transport him to a nearby hospital. The situation escalated as the suspect required advanced medical treatment and was consequently moved to a cardiac hospital. Approximately four and a half hours after the initial encounter with law enforcement, the suspect passed away during surgery at the second hospital, the specifics of this timeline were provided by the Phoenix Police Department.
The death has triggered both a criminal and an administrative investigation, the results of which will be presented to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review. The official statement from the Phoenix Police Department noted, "Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete."
