Critical Incident Briefing — October 10, 2026 — 40 E Sunland Avenue

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 to provide details, as we currently understand them, of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on October 10, 2026.

Around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a call of a subject with a gun at an apartment complex near 40 E Sunland Avenue. The 911 caller described a man walking around the complex holding a firearm and a knife. He was heard mumbling words to himself and was last seen going into an apartment he was believed to live in.

When officers arrived, they went to the apartment the man was last seen entering. Moments later, the man exited the apartment, still holding a gun and knife. The officers gave multiple commands to drop the gun but he did not comply. One officer used a PepperBall less-lethal launcher to gain compliance.

Despite the use of the PepperBall launcher, the suspect raised the gun and pointed it toward the officers. One officer then fired their rifle, striking the man, who fell to the ground. While on the ground, the man raised the gun again, pointing it toward the officers. A second officer fired their rifle, also striking the man.

Once safe, the officers approached the man to render aid. The Phoenix Fire Department transported the man to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The firearm recovered on scene was later determined to be a replica BB gun. Upon entering the man’s apartment, investigators later learned the person who called 911 was the same individual who ultimately lost his life during this incident.

No officers or other community members were injured during this incident.

The officers involved in this incident are assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and have two and five years of service with the department.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Arizona residents can also reach the local crisis line at 844‑534‑ HOPE (4673).

This incident is the subject of an investigation being conducted by the Major Incident Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, as well as an administrative investigation being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department. It will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

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.