PHX Reporter

A domestic dispute in early February escalated, resulting in Mesa police fatally shooting a man after seeing what they thought was a gun in his hands.

A Mesa Police Department official told ABC15 that the shooting victim, identified as Brian Schneider, 36, came to his parents' home, near the intersection of University Drive and Dobson Road, around 3 a.m. and was presented with an order of protection. That led to a fight, which prompted someone to call for help.

“The call came out at about 3:17 [a.m.]. The officers arrived on scene at around 3:20 [a.m.], and the officer-involved shooting happened at around 3:22 in the morning,” Mesa Police Sergeant Chuck Trapani said to ABC15. “It all happened very quickly.” 

After police arrived, they tried to deescalate the situation, but Schneider ignored police commands and pointed what was thought to be a gun at officers, ABC15 said. Fearing for the safety of all involved, two police officers fired their guns at Schneider. It was later determined that Schneider had a replica gun.

Schneider was pronounced dead at the scene. No police were injured in the incident and police didn't say whether the officers were on desk duty until the investigation ended.