Phoenix Police video shows suspect’s gun firing during tackle, killing him

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department released body-camera footage showing the moments a suspect’s gun went off as an officer tackled him last month, killing the suspect and wounding the officer.

Dylan Rockford Fohrenkam, 34, died Feb. 23 after his own firearm discharged when an officer attempted to take him into custody near 18th Place and Atlanta Avenue, police said in a video summary (WARNING: graphic content) of the investigation.

The officer suffered a minor injury from the gunshot and was treated and released from a hospital.

The incident began around 8:15 p.m. when officers responded to a 911 call about an aggravated assault near 19th Avenue and Roeser Road. The caller reported a man had pointed a gun at him in front of his children at a park.

When officers arrived, witnesses directed them to Fohrenkam, who was leaving the area on a bicycle. Officers followed him in their vehicles while waiting for additional resources.

Fohrenkam abandoned his bike a few blocks away and ran toward a house, according to police. Officers can be heard shouting “Put your hands up” and “Don’t let him get inside” in body-camera footage.

One officer fired a 40mm less-lethal round at him, but it had no effect, authorities said. A second officer then tackled Fohrenkam from behind.

“As the officer and man fell forward to the ground, the man’s gun went off, striking the man and the officer,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said in the media advisory that was sent out after the incident.

Body-camera footage shows officers scrambling to secure Fohrenkam’s weapon after the shot was fired.

“He’s got a gun. Left hand under his body,” one officer says. “I got his left elbow. I don’t know where the gun is at.”

Phoenix Police officers treat injured officer

After the weapon was secured, the wounded officer requested medical attention.

“I don’t know if he hit him or hit me, too, but I felt it on my left shoulder,” the officer says.

Officers rendered aid until Phoenix Fire Department personnel arrived and transported Fohrenkam to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police released a photo of the handgun recovered at the scene.

The officer involved is assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and has approximately seven years of service with the department.

Police said the incident did not require an outside agency to investigate, as no officers fired their gun. The Phoenix Police Department is conducting an administrative investigation.

Related

Police release name of man killed when his gun went off as Phoenix officer tried to subdue him1 dead in officer involved shooting in BuckeyeBodycam footage shows what led up to Phoenix police officer shooting, killing the wrong manWoman accused of fatally shooting man during domestic dispute in PhoenixTrump’s plan for a fence at Lafayette Park near White House gets review by federal panelHere’s a look at ‘reach’ election races where Democrats hope to pull off House upsets