New body-cam video shows a police officer returning fire in Phoenix after being shot at by shoplifting suspect Christopher Tavares earlier this month.
Phoenix Police Department Video Summary
Critical Incident Briefing: May 7, 2024 – 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street
MAY 21, 2024 3:00 PM
​​WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on May 7, 2024.
The incident occurred in the area of 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street after a patrol officer was flagged down by an employee of a nearby convenience store.
The employee reported that a shoplifting had just occurred and pointed out two people at a nearby bus stop who were involved. The officer drove his fully marked police Tahoe to the bus stop, at which time both individuals ran east on Roosevelt Street.
The officer drove his Tahoe towards the two suspects until he caught up to the adult male suspect. The man produced a handgun and fired multiple shots at the officer – striking the Tahoe several times. The officer drove away from the man to escape the gunfire and advised over the police radio that he was being shot at.
The officer made a U-turn and returned to the area to relocate the shooter. Once again, the man fired his handgun at the officer. The officer then returned fire striking the man and causing him to fall to the ground.
The second shoplifting suspect was last seen running from the area.
Officers provided medical aid to the suspect. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The handgun used by the suspect in this incident was recovered on scene.
The marked police Tahoe driven by the involved officer was struck multiple times by the suspect’s gunfire.
The officer involved in this shooting is assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and has approximately six years of service with the Department.
This incident is the subject of a criminal investigation to be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
It is also the subject of an administrative investigation.
Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete.