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Critical Incident Briefing - February 23, 2026 - 1900 W Roeser Road
WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language and graphic images that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing video related to a death investigation from February 23, 2026.
The incident began around 19th Avenue and Roeser Road when officers responded to an aggravated assault. The 911 caller stated a man had pointed a gun at him in front of his children while at the park.
When officers arrived on the scene, they were directed to the man who was leaving the park on his bicycle. Officers followed the man in their vehicles as they waited for additional resources. The man approached the area of 18th Ave. and Atlanta Ave. when he jumped off his bicycle and ran towards a house. Officers got out of their patrol vehicles and ran after the man.
One officer used their 40 millimeter less-lethal launcher, a tool used by patrol officers to change a subject’s behavior and gain compliance, but it was ineffective.
A second officer attempted to apprehend the man using bodily force by tackling him. As the officer and the man fell forward to the ground, the man’s gun went off, striking the man and the officer. Additionally, officers arrived and took the man into custody.
Officers rendered aid to the man until the Phoenix Fire Department arrived on the scene. The man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. The officer was also transported to the hospital for a minor injury related to the gunfire and was later released.
The officer involved in this investigation is assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and has approximately seven years of service with the department.
This investigation did not require an outside agency to be involved.
This is the subject of an administrative investigation being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department.
Conclusions about whether the actions of the officer are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete.
