The Phoenix Police Department released on March 26 a Critical Incident Briefing video detailing an officer-involved shooting that took place on March 12, 2026, near 32nd Street and Paradise Lane.
The release of the video aims to inform the public about the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide transparency regarding police actions. The department has cautioned viewers that the footage contains strong language and graphic images.
According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area. Upon arrival, they saw a man matching the description given by a 911 caller walking in the roadway while holding a firearm. Officers exited their patrol vehicle and ordered him to drop his weapon. The man did not comply and continued toward one of the officers while still armed, prompting an officer-involved shooting. After falling to the ground, police said he pointed his handgun at an officer again, leading them to fire additional shots.
Additional officers arrived at the scene and took the man into custody before transporting him to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The involved officer is assigned to the Desert Horizon Precinct and has approximately five years of service with Phoenix Police.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division is conducting a criminal investigation into this event, which will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Separately, an administrative investigation is being conducted by Phoenix Police Department officials.
Police said conclusions about whether “the actions of the officer are consistent with department policy and law will not be made until all facts are known and investigation is complete.”
