The Phoenix Police Department has released new information about an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this month at 35th Avenue and Washington Street. According to a Critical Incident Briefing, the incident began after a 911 call reported an armed robbery in which a suspect allegedly threatened a man and stole his cell phone. A description of the suspect and vehicle was provided to police.
As per the Phoenix Police Department News, officers from the South Mountain Precinct located a vehicle matching the description. After it stopped in a parking lot, the suspect became noncompliant, and officers repositioned their vehicles. The shooting occurred after a second unit arrived. The suspect attempted to drive away but became stuck. An officer used a less-lethal pepper ball launcher with limited effect.
After the pepper ball launcher was deployed, the suspect raised a handgun. An officer with a rifle then fired, striking the suspect. Officers removed the suspect from the vehicle and rendered aid. The man was transported to a hospital but died from his injuries.
No other injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will review the officers’ actions. All involved officers have between two and eight years of service with the department.
