An officer-involved shooting that took place in Mesa is currently under the microscope, as U.S. Marshals engaged with a suspect who allegedly fired at them during an apprehension effort. According to ABC15, the incident happened near 32nd Street and Baseline Road when members of the U.S. Marshals Service Arizona WANTED Task Force were attempting to capture a gang member, now identified as Edgar Cardenas. Cardenas was wanted on multiple warrants, which included aggravated assault, aggravated domestic violence, and weapons offenses.
In a scenario that quickly escalated, U.S. Marshals tracked down Cardenas at a residence and surveilled him until he left in a vehicle. When task force members tried to initiate a stop, Cardenas reportedly opened fire, unleashing multiple rounds at the officers, none of whom were injured during the confrontation. The engagement ended when law enforcement fired back, striking Cardenas who died at the scene, FOX10 Phoenix reports.
Local resident Walter Burks explained the chaos he encountered during the incident, "We heard a round of shots, like maybe about five. Pop, pop, pop.. and then all of a sudden when I came out, I seen several law enforcement vehicles on the corner of 32nd Street and Baseline. And then I went to the front of the complex, and I noticed that there was a blue Charger pinned in between.. and I looked over and saw them trying to revive a gentleman on the ground" he told FOX10 Phoenix.
Police secured the scene, but parts of Baseline Road at 32nd Street were closed and there's no word yet on when they'll reopen. After the shooting, the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team took over the investigation. Deputy U.S. Marshal Colleen Grayman confirmed they’re looking into what led up to the incident and how force was used, as per FOX10 Phoenix.
