The Phoenix Police Department is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Sunday, May 1, 2022, just after 12:00 p.m., in the roadway to the south of 19th Avenue and Southern Avenue.
Officers were in the parking lot of a gas station near 19th Avenue and Southern Avenue working through an unrelated matter when they were notified of a man with a machete in an open field to the south. Officers contacted the man and gave him commands to drop the machete as he walked eastbound in the field towards 19th Avenue. Officers continued to order the man to drop the machete while following him as he walked southbound in the roadway of 19th Avenue. The man was shouting in Spanish. Due to the language barrier, officers were unable to understand what he was saying.
There were vehicles driving by on 19th Avenue and pedestrians walking on the nearby sidewalks.
While the man was in the middle lane of 19th Avenue, an officer with a stunbag shotgun approached him and gave repeated commands to drop the machete. The officer delivered several rounds from the stunbag which did not seem to affect the man. He continued to yell in Spanish while advancing towards the officer with the machete still in hand. The officer transitioned to his handgun and fired, striking the man and ending the threat.
Officers approached the man, removed the machete, and began rendering first aid. Officers continued until Phoenix Fire responded and assumed care. The man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
There were no injuries to other community members or officers. The investigation is ongoing.
