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Phoenix Investigates Deadly Shooting of Unarmed Suspect

On October 2, 2025, officers from the Phoenix Police Department responded to an attempted armed robbery call at a fast-food restaurant near 16th Street and Buckeye Road. According to information from two 911 calls, a man was reported to be stealing from a woman while appearing to have a firearm.

When two officers arrived at the scene, they located a man outside the restaurant who matched the provided description while customers and employees remained inside. The officers ordered the man to lie on the ground. The man complied, lying on his stomach just outside the restaurant entrance.

While officers continued to issue commands, the man suddenly got up and attempted to open the restaurant door, prompting the officers to use deadly force. The man was shot and later received assistance from the officers until Phoenix Fire Department arrived. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries. Later, authorities confirmed that the man was unarmed.

The officer involved, a member of the Downtown Operations Unit with over four years of experience, is under investigation. The Major Incident Division of the Department of Public Safety is leading a criminal investigation into the incident, which will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. An administrative investigation is also being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department.

For additional information, visit phoenix.gov/police.

Source: Phoenix Police Department

Source Type: Police

Source Location:

Oct 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM

Police