Chandler police release video of November shooting that left man dead

PHOENIX — Chandler police released body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting from November that left a 30-year-old man dead in an East Valley home.

Video (WARNING: Graphic Content) of the incident shows Cody Allan Smestad, who was suspected of burglarizing the home near Gilbert and Pecos roads, hiding behind a vehicle inside a garage.

Officers were called to the home after the resident, who wasn’t present, was alerted of activity in the home while they were away.

Smestad ran back inside the residence after officers demanded he show them his hands, and video surveillance footage from the residence caught him armed with a rifle, leaving out the back door.

Multiple officers were seen in the back of the residence advising Smestad to drop his weapon, but he would not comply to their orders.

After several commands to drop his weapon, multiple shots were fired at Smestad. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The detective involved in the shooting has 22 years of experience and has been assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau, while the police officer involved has 16 years of experience in the force.

“This incident is the subject of both an internal and criminal investigation, which the Maricopa County Attorney’s office will review,” Phoenix police said.

“Upon completion, this investigation will be reviewed by an external citizen’s use of force panel, comprised of community members as it is standard practice in all use of force incidents.”

Follow @suelenrivera