Critical Incident Briefing - September 8, 2025 - 3500 W Washington St.

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 has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on September 8, 2025, near 35th Avenue and Washington Street.

This incident began in the area of 35th Avenue and Fillmore Street when Phoenix police officers responded to an Armed Robbery. The caller told the 911 operator a man had threatened her father with a gun and had taken his cell phone. The caller gave a description of the man during the 911 call.

A two-officer patrol unit located a vehicle matching the description in the area of 35th Avenue and Washington Street. The vehicle pulled into a parking lot and came to a stop. Officers gave commands to the man who was driving the vehicle; however, the man was argumentative with the officers. A second unit arrived on the scene and the officers repositioned their vehicles. After the vehicles were repositioned, this is when the officer involved shooting occurred. Moments later, the man attempts to drive forward however the vehicle gets stuck.

One of the officers transitioned to his less lethal pepper ball launcher. The officer discharged his pepper ball launcher striking the vehicle with limited effect.

Another officer arrived and deployed with his rifle. After the use of the pepper ball launcher, the man raised the handgun. This is when the officer with the rifle discharged his weapon.

Officers waited for additional resources to arrive on scene to move up to the vehicle and remove the man from the vehicle. Officers rendered aid until the Phoenix Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital where he later died.

No one else was injured during this incident.

The officers involved in this incident are assigned to patrol in the South Mountain Precinct and have been with the department between 2 to 8 years.

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

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.