Mesa Police fires officer charged with assault in 2019 shooting

PHOENIX – The Mesa Police Department has formally cut ties with an officer recently charged with aggravated assault in the shooting of an unarmed man.

Nathan Chisler was fired after “a comprehensive review of the December 2019 officer involved shooting and the professional standards investigation,” the department said Monday night in a press release.

At the time of his dismissal June 25, Chisler had 10 days to appeal, police said.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office charged Chisler with one count of aggravated assault in the Dec. 6 shooting of Randy Sewell at Ojos Locos sports bar.

Police said Chisler had been responding to a call about disorderly customers.

Chisler was reassigned to administrative duties after the shooting.

The department released no other information on the dismissal, citing “the ongoing criminal matter.”

Chisler had been on the force for about three years.

County Attorney Allister Adel said in a press release last week that she was committed to “ensuring that we will hold individuals who commit crimes accountable, regardless of their profession or relationship with this office.”

The Mesa Police Association expressed disappointment that prosecutors filed the charges without review by a grand jury when the charges were announced June 24.

“We vehemently disagree with her decision. We respect due process – one that’s free from political influence – for all people,” the union said in a press release.The Mesa

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