Officers from the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office found themselves in a confrontation that led to an officer-involved shooting in Mohave Valley, Arizona, details of which are now being investigated by the Lake Havasu City Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit. According to a statement from the LHCPD, deputies were dispatched for a welfare check following reports of a potentially suicidal individual on February 8 at around 4 p.m. in the 8200 block of Green Valley Road South.

Upon arrival, the involved deputies made contact with a male subject, later identified as Richard Crist, 67, of Mohave Valley, who appeared to be holding an object that looked like a handgun. He allegedly aimed it at the deputies, prompting one deputy to fire their weapon, striking Crist in the chest. It is standard procedure to have such an officer-involved shooting investigated by an outside agency, ensuring an objective review of the incident.

Crist survived the shooting and, as a result of his life-threatening injuries, was quickly transported to a local hospital. He was then moved to a medical facility in Las Vegas for further treatment and now remains in stable condition. The deputies involved reportedly did not sustain injuries during the incident. At this time, the identity of the deputy who discharged their firearm has not been made public, as the investigation is still active and open.

Sergeant Kyle Ridgeway of the Lake Havasu City Police Department is serving as the Public Information Officer, sharing updates with the community. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge about this near-fatal incident. The public and media are urged to follow official announcements from LHCPD.