Phoenix police release video of May shooting that left man dead

PHOENIX — Phoenix police released body cam footage Wednesday of an officer-involved shooting from May that left a 40-year-old man dead.

Video (WARNING: Graphic content) of the incident shows an officer shoot Ryan Whitaker as he exits an apartment in Ahwatukee following a domestic violence call on May 21.

Whitaker was armed and appeared to be moving away from two officers when he was shot three times by the officer, who Phoenix police said has three years of experience in the force.

Whitaker did not fire his weapon during the encounter and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Phoenix police said in a press release they aren’t yet sure if the officer followed department protocol.

“Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete,” Phoenix police said.

Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio called for a continued investigation into the incident.

DiCiccio said he has had “serious questions” about the nature of the incident since it occurred.

“Based on the horrific events we witnessed in the critical incident briefing video, I will continue to insist on a thorough and comprehensive investigation of this case,” DiCiccio said in a statement.

“I have serious concerns about the nature of the 911 call and how that information was relayed to our officers, as well as the actions of the shooting officer.”

It was the sixth shooting involving Phoenix police in 2020, according to data tracked by KTAR News 92.3 FM.

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