19/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 19/11/2024 22:15
WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on November 4th, 2024.
This incident began in the area near 15th Avenue and Chipman Road when Phoenix police officers responded to an active burglary call at a home. 911 operators received information from the victim through text messaging. The victim said the suspect was armed and was trying to break into her home. She later texted operators that the suspect was leaving in a gray pickup.
When officers arrived, they found a pickup truck matching the description, stopped in front of the victim's home. As officers called out to the driver, the pickup drove off and officers went in pursuit.
During the pursuit, the driver lost control of the pickup, collided with a wall, and came to a stop on the road. The officers pulled up to the truck and saw a man open and close the rear driver side door. He then got out of the rear passenger side door. As the man got out, he dropped a gun on the ground. The man quickly picked up the gun and ran toward a home. Officers ordered the man to drop the gun, but he continued to run away.
The man got to the side of the house where he dropped a gun. He then armed himself with a second gun and points it towards officers. The two officers then fired their handguns, striking the suspect.
Officers used a 40 mm launcher and then moved up with a K9 to safely approach the man. After separating the man from the guns, officers provided medical aid until the fire department arrived. The man later died from his injuries on scene.
There were no other injuries to any community members or officers.
The handguns used by the suspect were recovered on the scene. A rifle was also found inside the man's pick up.
The officers involved in this incident are assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and both have been with the department for over two and a half years.
This incident is the subject of a criminal investigation to be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. It is also the subject of an administrative investigation.
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.