PHOENIX – A man suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run crash was shot and killed by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies early Monday morning after allegedly threatening self-harm and refusing to drop a weapon during a tense standoff in the East Valley.
According to MCSO, the incident unfolded shortly after midnight at a home near Avenida Del Yaqui and Calle Guadalupe in the town of Guadalupe, which borders Tempe and Ahwatukee.
Deputies responded to a 911 call placed by the suspect’s aunt, who told dispatchers that her adult nephew was behaving erratically, making suicidal statements, and talking about his involvement in a hit-and-run collision on U.S. 60 in Tempe earlier that day.
When deputies arrived at the residence, they found the man armed with a bladed weapon, MCSO said. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the suspect reportedly refused to comply.
The situation escalated, and deputies ultimately opened fire, striking the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel. His identity has not yet been released.
Ongoing investigation
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office did not say how many deputies discharged their weapons or what type of blade the man was holding. No deputies were injured during the incident.
The shooting is under investigation, as is standard procedure in all officer-involved shootings. It remains unclear whether the suspect’s alleged involvement in the US 60 hit-and-run has been confirmed or if any additional charges were pending at the time of the incident.
Mental health and public safety
This incident highlights the complex and often dangerous nature of mental health-related emergency calls, especially when combined with the threat of violence or recent criminal activity.
Authorities have not provided additional details about the hit-and-run or released body camera footage at this time. Anyone with information related to the crash or the events leading up to the shooting is encouraged to contact MCSO.
KTAR News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
