Critical Incident Briefing — September 6, 2026 — 1800 W Cheryl Drive

WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language and graphic images that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing video to provide details, as we currently understand them, of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 6, 2026.

Around 11 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a call of an adult male attempting to harm himself near 18^th Avenue and Cheryl Drive. The caller identified herself as a family member of the individual and stated the person was in a nearby residential alley, armed with a knife.

The first officer arrived on scene and spoke with the man’s family to understand his mental state. The officer waited for additional personnel to arrive, including a supervisor and a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified officer, who have received specialized training interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

As the team of officers approached, they saw the man sitting on the ground, cutting his neck with a large knife. He then stood up and began walking away from police. Officers followed, giving repeated directions for him to drop the knife, while also trying to calm him down.

Moments later, the man turned and began walking toward the officers while still holding the knife. Police stopped advancing and continued issuing commands, which were not followed. A Taser was deployed but the man did not stop.

Immediately after the unsuccessful Taser deployment, the man suddenly began running at the officers with the knife in hand. Two officers fired their weapons, striking him. He fell to the ground, dropped the knife and officers approached him to provide first aid. The Phoenix Fire Department arrived and pronounced the man deceased.

No officers or other community members were injured during this incident.

The officers involved in this incident are assigned to the Desert Horizon Precinct and have five and seven years of service with the department, respectively.

This incident is being investigated by the Major Incident Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety and will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. It is also the subject of an administrative investigation being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department.

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.