Phoenix officer-involved shootings do not show racial bias

PHOENIX — The breakdown of races in officer-involved shootings in Phoenix since 2013 is relatively proportionate to the overall racial makeup of the city, police and census data show.

Since Jan. 1, 2013, there were 50 officer-involved shootings in Phoenix. The break down of those shootings by suspect race is as follows:

Hispanic: 22 (14 fatal)
Caucasian: 19 (14 fatal)
African-American: 7 (3 fatal)
Native American: 2 (0 fatal)

The Phoenix Police Department said it had 10 fewer officer-involved shootings in 2014 compared to 2013.

Protests have been ongoing in Phoenix since officer Mark Rine shot and killed 34-year-old Rumain Brisbon on Dec. 2 at an apartment complex. Police said Brisbon had been reaching in his pants and believed Brisbon was armed. It was later revealed he had a bottle of pills in his pocket.

Police are conducting an internal investigation, and prosecutors will determine
whether Rine, 30, will face criminal charges. He was placed on non-enforcement duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related

Sen. Sullivan, former US Rep Peltola begin Alaska US Senate campaign after advancing from primaryNational security question trips up Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina debateProsecutors say bullet engraving shows Charlie Kirk was targeted for his politicsSAFE Alert issued for 18-year-old woman who left home with puppyTexas teen convicted in fatal stabbing at track meet seeks a new trial and judgeMesmerizing jellyfish take center stage at 1st US museum dedicated solely to the floating predators