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assault battery Crossing Accidents felony Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Deadly Hit and Run

Hit and Run

A car crash is often deadly. Early morning crashes are scary and it’s often a hit and run crash. If it’s super early out and there’s no witnesses then people are more likely to drive off from a scene of an accident.

On Friday morning in Litchfield Park, a hit and run incident sadly left one man dead.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the hit and run incident happened just after four o’clock int he morning. The deputies arrived to the scene which was near Dysart Road and is just south of Camelback Road. Which is a common place for car crashes.

According to the reports, they found a dead man who was in his sixties. The man was found in the roadway.

The deputies had to close Dysart Road between Camelback Road and Indian School Road as they investigated the death.

The road was luckily reopened around 8:30 in the morning

MCSO later found out that the man who was involved in the fatal car crash was actually a  hit and run incident. Now the police are asking for the public’s help in trying to find the driver.

Police think that the crash happened between 2 and 4 in the morning. The driver then headed northbound on Dysart Road struck. The driver struck a man then fled the scene.

There’s no suspect or vehicle description at this time.

If anyone has any information on this, they are asked to please call the sheriff’s office.

Phoenix Hit And Run Lawyer

Felony and Misdemeanor Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run violations happen, and often they are the result of the physically and emotionally jarring aftermath of being involved in a car accident with another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian. It is common knowledge that in such circumstances the proper protocol is to stop, exchange information and report the situation to law enforcement, but often in the moment such procedure becomes confused in the overwhelming chaos of the moments following a collision. Despite knowing the proper protocol and the fact that leaving the scene of a car accident is considered to be a serious criminal offense within the state of Arizona, the fear of negative legal repercussions often outweigh sound reason. If you or someone you know has been involved in a misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run accident within the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix area, the expert Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will actively defend your rights and assist you in reaching a favorable outcome.

Hit and Run Examples

There are multiple variations of hit-and-run offenses that may result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. They may include:

  • When a driver collides with another vehicle, causing property damage, injury or death
  • When a driver collides with a pedestrian or jogger, causing serious injury or even death
  • When a driver collides with objects, causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with an unattended, parked car causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with a cyclist, causing property damage, minor to serious injury or death

It is important to fully understand the nature of your hit-and-run offense to determine the severity of the criminal charge. Your level of offense will be decided based on how serious the results of your hit-and-run collision were. A collision that results in limited injuries will most like be charged as misdemeanors, whereas in a more serious injury accident that results in a lengthy rehabilitation period or even wrongful death, you may face felony hit-and-run charges.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Fear around secondary convictions for other offenses is often the motivating factor for why drivers leave the scene of an accident, hoping to avoid multiple charges that may include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • Driving a stolen vehicle
  • Driving with a stolen license
  • Driving under the influence of narcotics
  • Driving while transporting narcotics
  • Driving without insurance or registration
  • Driving with a warrant for your arrest

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Attorneys – our expertise and aggressive litigation practices result in regular favorable results for our clients facing hit-and-run misdemeanor and felony offenses.  It is essential that you contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protecting your record. Consultation with a criminal defense attorney is always advisable before speaking to law enforcement or insurance companies, regardless of fault.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Hit and Run Lawyer

With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Personal Injury

Bishop Involved in Sexual Abuse Case

Bishop Faces Felony Charges

When you think of a Bishop you really don’t think of sexual abuse. However, sometimes it happens. You just never know now days, it can happen anytime and any where.

There were a few charges that have been dropped against the Arizona Roman Catholic bishop. However, the former church officials still face the sexual misconduct charges for the allegations that he molested a young boy thirty-five years ago.

According to reports, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge actually dismissed counts of public nuisance, fraud, fiduciary fraud and even negligent infliction of emotional distress. That still leaves eight of the original fourteen counts.

The retired bishop, Thomas O’Brien was accused of sexually abusing a little boy on several occasions. This happened at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear. This was in 1977 to 1982. However, O’Brien still denies the allegations.

O’Brien led the diocese in Phoenix then it became a global scandal. The allegations rocked the Catholic church, now rumors spread about pedophiles priests going unpunished.

Bishop Sexual Assault

The Bishop said that in 2003 in an immunity deal that he would let the church employees who were accused of the sex abuse would continue to have contact with the children. How sick is that? Just weeks after the immunity deal, O’Brien resigned as the Bishop and was later arrested for a hit and run death of a pedestrian.

O’Brien had been a bishop in Phoenix for at least 21 years. The bishop resigned in 2003. This was after being accused of hit and killing, 43 year old Jim Reed with his vehicle.

The bishop didn’t even stop to help Reed or even report the accident to the authorities. Later, he did tell the investigators that he didn’t even realize that he had hit a person.

He also said that he thought he had hit a dog or cat or that someone had even threw a rock at his car. The prosecutors said O’Brien tried to have his windshield fixed. So there’s a pretty good clue that something was wrong. If he didn’t know for sure why wouldn’t you report it or even stop to be sure.

The man was sentenced to probation as well as 1,000 hours of community service this was after he was convicted of leaving the scene.

Phoenix Assault Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

A verbal altercation in a bar or at your own home could be misconstrued as an assault charge. If you are accused of starting a bar fight or engaging in domestic violence, secure experienced legal help immediately. Understandably, you may feel tempted to explain your side of the story to law enforcement. But, any details you provide could be used against you.

At the Phoenix Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we will act quickly to develop an effective defense strategy against battery and assault charges. Comprised of former prosecutors with comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, our team knows firsthand how prosecutors develop cases against individuals suspected of criminal assault. We are prepared to stay ahead of the prosecution through identifying any procedural errors, contradictory evidence or violations of your civil rights.

Types of Assault Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at the Phoenix Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC come equipped with a substantial background in defending individuals throughout Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area who have been accused of offenses ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. These offenses may include:

 

  • Domestic Violence
  • Spousal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Sexual Assault
  • Assault and Battery
  • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

 

Choosing an Effective Assault Defense Strategy

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will devote the right resources to develop an effective defense strategy against any damaging charges. They will meet with any eyewitnesses to understand the series of events before the alleged criminal activity occurred. We are prepared to craft a strategy around self-defense, if you were in fear of your life. They will also seek to illustrate any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or contradictory statements from the plaintiff. When appropriate, we work with psychologists to illustrate the plaintiff’s state of mind and tendency to exaggerate or lie. Your case will be properly analyzed from every angle possible. If your civil rights were violated or procedural errors were made, we will fight for an acquittal.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Assault Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Assault, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault Homicide Narcotics Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Shooting Near Phoenix Freeway

Phoenix Freeway Shooting

Phoenix has an abundance of shootings in the area. Sadly a woman has lost her life due to another shooting. This lady was shot in the head while driving on a Phoenix Freeway. According to reports this happened on a Wednesday night.

The Sgt. of the Phoenix Police Department, Jonathan Howard told the station that there was three men in a white, work style pickup truck. The truck was carrying ladder racks and were chasing the woman as she was heading to Interstate 10 to State Road 51.

According to the reports, the lady was shot while she was on the phone with emergency responders. She then crashed her vehicle along the center divider.

Shooting Victim

Sgt. Howard said that the woman was taken to the hospital and was in “extremely critical condition” she sadly later passed away due to the severity of her injuries. How sad, to be running from people for your life, be on the phone with emergency responders then to be shot while on the phone with the ones who are there to protect.

The police are still searching for the white truck. At this time it hasn’t been found. Apparently there were two to three crashes involving at least four vehicles. All of which are related to the shooting.

Two of the people who were in the crashes had to be taken to the local hospital.

Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you have been charged with murder, the attorney you choose to defend you will likely be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Obtaining a strong defense could be the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

 

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, you will find the experienced, dedicated and highly skilled trial attorneys you need to protect your rights. Each of our attorneys made a conscious decision to become a criminal defense lawyer. We could have chosen any other field of law, but defending the freedom and liberty of people who are facing the possibility of incarceration was our first choice. We believe strongly that skilled and passionate defense attorneys can make a difference in the lives of their clients. We go into every case feeling that we can make that difference.

 

Hiring the Right Homicide Lawyer in Phoenix

Having a skilled homicide defense attorney is important in any criminal case, but it is even more critical in a murder case. To properly defend a client against a murder charge, a defense lawyer must be prepared to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. To do so, a Phoenix Murder Defense Attorney must be prepared to effectively cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, including any expert witnesses.

Expert Witnesses

In some cases, a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney may need to use expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant to challenge forensic evidence, ballistics evidence and other scientific evidence presented by the prosecution. We are prepared to do so and have worked with expert witnesses in the past to provide a vigorous defense on our clients’ behalf.

In addition to fighting your charges at trial (or seeking a case dismissal for lack of probable cause), we can also negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. A plea agreement might involve a plea to a lesser offense or an agreement on sentencing that will significantly reduce the penalties you face.

 

Homicide Defense Strategy

We will take the time to talk to witnesses, investigate what really happened in your case, understand what evidence is in the prosecution’s possession, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and determine if the police violated your constitutional rights or made other critical errors that can be used to your advantage.

We are committed to raising a strong and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, the following defenses and strategies may be helpful:

 

  • Self-Defense
  • Insanity
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Suppression of Evidence
  • Challenging DNA, Fingerprint Evidence and other Forensic Evidence
  • Challenging Ballistics Evidence (Relating to Firearms and Bullets)
  • Challenging the Reliability of an Eyewitness
  • Challenging Whether the Evidence Sustains a Murder Conviction
  • Negotiation with the Prosecution to Determine if a Plea Agreement Could

Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face

We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury

Violent Crimes in Phoenix

Drive by Shooting

Sadly drive by shootings rarely go well for the person being shot at. According to the Phoenix police, a victim of a recent drive by shooting has passed away.

The victim was later identified as twenty-five year old, Kyle Begley. The reports said that the young man was shot around 2:30 p.m. and it was near Oraibi Drive. Oraibi is a quiet little neighborhood near the 7th Avenue and the Loop 101.

According to the police, Begley had to be taken to the local hospital due to his “extremely critical” condition. Sadly he later was pronounced dead at the local hospital.

Police said Begley was seen having a conversation with another man in the driveway of his home. The suspect got into his vehicle, then fired a shot at Begley and drove away from the area.

Neighbor, Dawn Woolworth’s Statement:

All of a sudden, I heard a loud pop and I’m like, what is that?  I’ve lived in this place for 31 years and nothing ever happens here.

A number of police units responded to the scene, along with the Arizona Humane Society. Officers on the scene said they asked for assistance from animal control because they were having trouble with one or more dogs at the victim’s residence.

Police have been asking neighbors for surveillance video.

Police said the suspect was in an older model sedan. The vehicle was silver and possibly a Honda.

The investigation is ongoing.

Children Abused in Apartment

Sometimes apartment’s get a bad rap. Most people think that apartments are gross and filthy and in some cases, like this one they’re right. Sadly two children under three years old were found living in an apartment which had mold, feces, rotting food and bugs in it. This was in Glendale.

The Glendale police reported that on September 29th they arrived on a call to an apartment near 55th Avenue and Camelback Road. The manager of the apartment’s saw a seventeen month old little girl in a playpen which was covered in flies. How heartbreaking for that poor baby that has no defense for it’s self.

The police say that the home was horrible. It smelled like “decomposing body” inside. They also found the little girl and her two and a half year old brother.

The officers found black mold in the apartment as well as nasty standing water on the floor. How gross is that? Officers also saw rotting food, bugs, and both of the children were covered in dirt.

According to the police, the little boy had feces on both sides of his little face. He also had his name written on his forearm with a marker. Poor little guy.

Luckily, the Arizona Department of Child Safety removed the children from the home. They took them to the local hospital to be evaluated.

The father, twenty-five year old, George Philip Riefler told the police that his apartment had been that way for around three months. He told the police that he had been depressed and felt overwhelmed lately. Well yea, of course is your house is nasty like that you’re going to be depressed and definitely over whelmed.

The young father was arrested on two counts of child abuse.

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery Car Accident Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury

Homicide Cases Near Phoenix

Foul Play Homicide Case

Horseplay turned to homicide charges when a pedestrian was killed Thursday night after being pushed into the road and hit by a vehicle, Phoenix police said.

The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. near Dunlap and 19th avenues, according to Sgt. Alan Pfohl with the Phoenix Police Department.

Pfohl said 23-year-old Terrance Veale was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

After further investigation, officials said they determined Veale and Tyrone David Turner were on the sidewalk engaging in horseplay.

Turner, 26, told police he pushed Veale, Pfohl said. Veale stumbled into the road and was hit by a vehicle.

Turner was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide.

No other details were immediately available. The investigation is ongoing

Drive By Shooting

Sadly, two teen boys were shot recently in a drive by shooting in West Phoenix.

According to the reports, the Police and firefighters were called to an address near 67th Avenue and Baseline Road. This happened around 1:45 p.m. for a report of a possible drive by shooting.

The police said that there were witnesses who reported seeing two groups in a drug deal when the shots were filed. One of the teens who was shot has sadly died at the scene of the incident.

According to the Phoenix Fire Department spokesman, the other teen also has wounds. The teen has wounds to his arms and legs and is more stable. He has also been taken to an area hospital.

Officers located a suspect vehicle fleeing the scene. The police were able to detain four people who they think are involved in the incident.

Criminal Defense Cases

If you have been charged with murder, the attorney you choose to defend you will likely be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Obtaining a strong defense could be the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, you will find the experienced, dedicated and highly skilled trial attorneys you need to protect your rights. Each of our attorneys made a conscious decision to become a criminal defense lawyer. We could have chosen any other field of law, but defending the freedom and liberty of people who are facing the possibility of incarceration was our first choice. We believe strongly that skilled and passionate defense attorneys can make a difference in the lives of their clients. We go into every case feeling that we can make that difference.

Hiring the Right Homicide Lawyer in Phoenix

Having a skilled homicide defense attorney is important in any criminal case, but it is even more critical in a murder case. To properly defend a client against a murder charge, a defense lawyer must be prepared to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. To do so, a Phoenix Murder Defense Attorney must be prepared to effectively cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, including any expert witnesses.

Expert Witnesses

In some cases, a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney may need to use expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant to challenge forensic evidence, ballistics evidence and other scientific evidence presented by the prosecution. We are prepared to do so and have worked with expert witnesses in the past to provide a vigorous defense on our clients’ behalf.

In addition to fighting your charges at trial (or seeking a case dismissal for lack of probable cause), we can also negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. A plea agreement might involve a plea to a lesser offense or an agreement on sentencing that will significantly reduce the penalties you face.

Homicide Defense Strategy

We will take the time to talk to witnesses, investigate what really happened in your case, understand what evidence is in the prosecution’s possession, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and determine if the police violated your constitutional rights or made other critical errors that can be used to your advantage.

We are committed to raising a strong and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, the following defenses and strategies may be helpful:

  • Self-Defense
  • Insanity
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Suppression of Evidence
  • Challenging DNA, Fingerprint Evidence and other Forensic Evidence
  • Challenging Ballistics Evidence (Relating to Firearms and Bullets)
  • Challenging the Reliability of an Eyewitness
  • Challenging Whether the Evidence Sustains a Murder Conviction
  • Negotiation with the Prosecution to Determine if a Plea Agreement Could

Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face

We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony Homicide Narcotics Personal Injury

Officer Involved Shooting

Phoenix Officer Involved in Shooting

Phoenix police have identified a 44-year-old man killed in an officer-involved shooting Tuesday as Jose Aaron Gonzalez.

According to police, at 6:30 a.m. officers were called to a home near 31st Avenue and Roosevelt Street to serve a search warrant for the Arizona Department of Transportation regarding an investigation into identity theft and forgery.

Officers reportedly made contact with a woman and three children inside the home, who exited the residence without incident.

Police say they then saw Gonzalez flee down the hallway where he hid in a back room, where he stayed inside a closet armed with a handgun.

As officers were still outside the home, Gonzalez reportedly left his hiding location and confronted officers, pointing a gun at them from the hallway.

Police say three officers then shot Gonzalez, ending the threat. He was pronounced dead at the scene

No additional suspects were located.

Police say they will be conducting standard criminal and internal inquiries into the shooting and ADOT will be continuing their investigation as well.

Suspect Killed In Officer Involved Shooting

A man died following a shooting involving two police officers in west Phoenix.

Police were called to the area of 59th Avenue and Thomas Road around 1:15 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of a domestic violence incident between 27-year-old David Gardea and a woman.

Police say Gardea pointed a gun at officers after they arrived and exited their vehicle.

One of the officers, fired his weapon at Gardea as he fled up a driveway on Mulberry Drive. Police say he turned and fired his weapon at the officers, forcing them to fire back. Gardea was shot and died at the scene.

No officers were injured during the incident, authorities said. Detectives recovered a semi-automatic handgun at the scene.

The officers have since been identified as 38-year-old Nicholas Chacon and 24-year-old Anthony Deida. Chacon has 17 years of service under his belt, while Deida has 10 years.

The shooting comes just two days after officers were involved in a shooting with an alleged carjacking suspect in the area of 33rd Avenue and Washington Street.

Police Investigate Shooting

A dangerous scene unfolded in a Glendale neighborhood after shots were fired and a police officer was injured.

This happened on Friday morning near 43rd Avenue and Olive.

Sgt. Tiffany Smith with Glendale Police says a multi-agency task force was attempting to arrest a violent suspect with multiple felony warrants. As they encountered that suspect, the individual fired shots and a Glendale police sergeant was struck.

The male suspect then fled the area on foot into the neighborhood. Police established a perimeter and sent tactical officers from different agencies.

The Glendale Police sergeant who was shot was part of a taskforce that had been watching and tracking the 44-year-old suspect, who officers tried to arrest at a parking lot. He is described as a senior sergeant with 20 years of service with Glendale Police.

Sgt. Smith’s Statement:

At that time, the suspect fled on foot, and the officers pursued on foot. That’s when the suspect engaged the officers and shot the sergeant.

The suspect ran into a neighborhood. Residents in the neighborhood were told to stay indoors, while officers from several agencies combed through yards, peered over backyard fences, as they looked for the suspect.

After nearly an hour, Phoenix SWAT team members cornered the suspect at a home’s side yard. Phoenix Police said the suspect fired at officers first, and SWAT team members returned fire.

Analyse Sanchez Statement:

And then we heard shootings, and it went on for a little bit. It was like boom boom boom. It was very loud.

The suspect was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have identified a man who was shot and killed Wednesday by an officer with the Surprise Police Department as 61-year-old George M. Pappas.

Pappas was said to be holding a knife at a business on Bell and El Mirage roads when he was shot and killed.

Officer Shooting

Officers were initially called to the business to perform a welfare check, according to a Surprise police spokesman, but he did not offer additional details about the events that led to the shooting.

Pappas was the second person shot by a police officer in the Valley on Wednesday. Phoenix police shot and injured a man suspected of arson earlier that day.

Diana Greene, owner of Molly and Friend’s pet grooming, said that she had just moved her business into the complex. She described hearing a loud bang before noon.

Diana Greene’s Statement:

We had seen two police officers run up to the open office back there, it’s a rental office, and (we) heard a gunshot.

Greene’s Statement:

Immediately the police came walking back down and then they went back up with two stretchers and came back down with two empty stretchers, and then the coroner’s van pulled in.

Pappas died at the scene.

Law-enforcement officers have shot 21 people, killing 12 of them, so far in 2018.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me