Video shows Apache Junction police fatally shooting man who pointed BB gun at officers

PHOENIX — Newly released footage from the Apache Junction Police Department shows officers fatally shooting a man who pointed a BB gun at them in February.

Police said the weapon was a Sig Sauer BB gun designed to resemble a real handgun.

Warning: The video posted in the link by the Apache Junction Police Department contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Critical Incident Briefing Video released on Wednesday includes body-worn camera footage and 911 calls.

The shooting happened Feb. 14 at about 7:30 p.m. as officers responded to a domestic violence call near Ironwood Drive and Shiprock Road.

Three uniformed patrol officers responded to the home. Because the property had a fenced yard and a locked gate, officers tried to contact the resident from outside the fence.

A man who appeared to be holding a handgun came out of the home, police said.

“Put the gun down,” one officer is heard saying in the video, while another says, “Drop the gun now.”

However, the man stepped closer, raising his BB gun toward them, after which the officers opened fire, according to the department.

The Phoenix Fire Department declared the resident dead at the scene.

The Mesa Police Department is conducting the investigation of this shooting as part of the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team.

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