Police fatally shoot man who approached officers while holding hatchet at Phoenix IHOP

PHOENIX — A police officer shot and killed a man who was carrying a hatchet outside a Phoenix IHOP on Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Officers responded to the restaurant on Northern Avenue west of 19th Avenue around 4 a.m., according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The suspect, identified later as 47-year-old Rocky Joe Ellis, allegedly was trespassing at the 24-hour IHOP, cutting himself and threatening customers, police said.

The first officer to arrive encountered Ellis outside the restaurant. Police initially reported that he was holding a large knife but later said it was a hatchet.

“The officer gave commands and attempted to deescalate the situation. However, the man started to walk toward him and revealed that he was holding a large hatchet,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said during a media briefing.

What prompted police shooting at Phoenix IHOP?

Two other officers arrived, and police attempted to use a less-lethal tool to stop Ellis .

“However, the man continued to walk toward the officers. Officers continued to back up. As the man continued to walk, this is when the officer-involved shooting occurred,” Fernandez said.

One officer fired his weapon, according to police.

Ellis was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. No officers were injured.

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