In the early hours of Sunday, May 5, 2024, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) state trooper encountered a vehicle parked on the left shoulder of the southbound lanes near University Drive (milepost 53). The vehicle had drawn attention due to reports of erratic driving behavior, leading the trooper to approach it for further investigation.

What followed was a sequence of events that culminated in a trooper-involved shooting, claiming the life of the man inside the vehicle. The situation unfolded as the trooper attempted to establish contact with the driver, only to encounter resistance and defiance. The driver, in a move that escalated the tension, barricaded himself within the vehicle and disregarded commands issued by the trooper, as detailed by DPS Sgt. Eric Andrews. At approximately 2:26 a.m., the driver brandished a handgun, which resulted in a trooper-involved shooting.

The aftermath of this encounter left the man pronounced dead at the scene, marking a somber moment for law enforcement and the community alike. Importantly, no troopers were harmed during the altercation.

In response to this incident, the DPS Major Incident Division swiftly initiated an investigation to piece together the events leading up to the fatal confrontation. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under intense scrutiny, with authorities committed to uncovering the truth and providing clarity to the public. It’s crucial to note that this information represents the initial stages of the investigation. The ongoing nature of the inquiry underscores the complexity of such incidents.

As the investigation progresses, updates and additional information will be shared to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing this unfortunate episode.