The Phoenix Police Department recently released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that provides details about an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that took place on July 17, 2023. The incident unfolded in a commercial area near 7th Street and Lincoln Street when Phoenix Police officers responded to a report of a single vehicle collision. According to 911 callers, a man driving a white vehicle had crashed into a light pole. Additional calls came in suggesting that the man seemed impaired and was behaving erratically after leaving the scene of the collision.
One witness who saw the man leave the scene of the collision reported hearing approximately six gunshots shortly after losing sight of him. When the officers arrived at the scene, they discovered an unoccupied passenger car that had collided with a streetlight. Bullet casings were found inside the car, and witnesses informed the officers that the suspect had fled on foot in the eastward direction.
Additional officers were called in to assist in the search for the suspect. A witness directed the officers to a man walking next to the railroad tracks near 18th Street and Harrison Street who matched the description of the suspect. The officers gave the man clear commands to get on the ground, but instead of complying, the man began screaming and moving toward the officers. In an attempt to gain control of the situation, the officers used a PepperBall Launcher to encourage the man to follow their commands.
Despite the officers’ efforts, the man continued to scream and attempted to walk away while the officers moved forward with him. Suddenly, the man stopped and pulled out a gun. The officers immediately commanded the man to drop the weapon, but he disregarded the orders and instead pointed the gun at the officers. Faced with a direct threat to their lives, one of the officers made the decision to use deadly force, resulting in the officer-involved shooting.
After the shooting, the officers quickly approached the suspect and provided medical aid until fire personnel arrived at the scene. Unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two firearms were found near the area where the suspect was shot.
The officer involved in the shooting has been a member of the Phoenix Police Department for two and a half years and is currently assigned to the Central City Precinct. The department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure transparency and accountability.
It is of utmost importance for law enforcement agencies to release critical incident briefings like this video. These briefings help to provide the public with transparent and factual information about such incidents, dispelling any misconceptions or rumors that may arise. By sharing audio, visual evidence, and detailed accounts of the events leading up to an officer-involved shooting, the police department aims to maintain trust and confidence in the community.
The release of this CIB video allows the public to have a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident. It also sheds light on the challenging and high-stress situations that law enforcement officers face daily. By presenting the facts in a detailed manner, the Phoenix Police Department is taking a proactive approach to ensure accountability and maintain open lines of communication with the community.
In conclusion, the Phoenix Police Department’s release of a Critical Incident Briefing video regarding the officer-involved shooting on July 17, 2023, provides the public with crucial information and evidence related to the incident. This transparency helps foster trust and understanding between the community and law enforcement, ensuring that all parties have access to the same facts. By continuing to prioritize transparency and accountability, law enforcement agencies can work towards building stronger relationships with the communities they serve.
