Man dead after shooting involving Tempe police officers on Thursday

PHOENIX — A man died after allegedly pointing a gun at Tempe Police officers on Thursday afternoon, according to authorities.

The shooting took place outside of an apartment near Baseline Road and Priest Drive, the Tempe Police Department said.

A 911 call sent around 12:30 p.m. from a person who said the suspect, 44-year-old Jake Carruth, had pointed a gun at him brought police to the area.

Officers responded to the scene and found Carruth at an apartment complex where he lived, police said.

Tempe police is currently working an active officer involved shooting in the area of Baseline Rd and Beck Ave. No officers were injured and no suspects outstanding.
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— Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) September 12, 2024

What led up to the shooting involving Tempe police officers?

Carruth spoke to the officers through a window in his apartment and refused to open the door, police said.

Officers then stepped back from the apartment to a safe location, continuing to speak with Carruth.

At one point, Carruth left the apartment before going back inside.

Carruth then stepped out of his apartment once more, this time carrying a handgun, police said.

He allegedly pointed the handgun at police. At this point, two officers fired their guns, police said.

Carruth was then pronounced dead at the scene.

No officers were injured in this incident.

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

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