Video: Man Fatally Shot when His Gun Fires During Violent Struggle with Phoenix Police Officer

Source Officer.com News

A man was fatally shot after his gun discharged during a struggle with Phoenix police officers who were trying to detain him last month.  

The details come from a Critical Incident Briefing released by the Phoenix Police Department.

Police officers responded to an aggravated assault call involving a man accused of pointing a gun at a 9-1-1 caller in front of his children at a park, according to a department news release. Officers found the man leaving the park on a bicycle and followed him while waiting for additional units.

The man ditched the bike and ran toward a nearby home. Officers chased him on foot.  

One officer fired a 40 mm less‑lethal round, but it had no effect. A second officer then tackled the man as he reached the yard.  

As the two fell forward, the man’s gun discharged, striking him and the officer. Police rendered medical aid until medics arrived, and the suspect was rushed to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The officer wounded in the exchange was hospitalized for a minor injury and later released.

Police said the officer involved in the shooting has about seven years with the department. The case is under administrative investigation.  

Officials noted that determinations on policy or legal compliance will come after the investigation is complete.