News Summary
In a worrying trend, Phoenix has seen a surge in police shootings connected to mental health crises, with three incidents reported in just 48 hours. This spike contributes to a total of 60 police shootings in Arizona this year. Recent cases, involving individuals struggling with mental health, underscore the urgent need for improved crisis intervention strategies. The effectiveness of response programs remains in question as community members and authorities seek solutions to enhance safety for both officers and vulnerable individuals.
Phoenix, Arizona – Rising Concerns Over Police Shootings Linked to Mental Health Crises
In a troubling development for public safety in the Valley, three police shootings have occurred within the last 48 hours, prompting rising concerns about the interactions between law enforcement and individuals experiencing mental health crises. This surge in incidents contributes to a total of 60 police shootings statewide in Arizona since the beginning of this year.
Recent Incidents Highlight Mental Health Challenges
Of the recent shootings in Arizona, several have involved individuals in significant mental distress. Over the past nine months, Maricopa County alone has witnessed 29 officer-involved shootings. In the week leading up to September 18, two out of the three police shootings raised alarms due to their connection to mental health issues.
Early Thursday morning, Glendale police officers responded to a crisis situation involving 28-year-old Adrian Green, who reportedly called a crisis hotline prior to the incident. Officers were alerted that Green was armed with a loaded handgun and was outside his home. While officers were attempting to formulate a response plan, Green fired his weapon and pointed it at the officers, who then returned fire, resulting in Green’s death. Fortunately, no officers were harmed during this encounter.
Just an hour before the Glendale incident, Mesa Police dealt with another mental health-related call. This situation initially began as a domestic violence incident, which escalated when a 33-year-old man pointed what police believed was a gun at officers. He was subsequently shot but is expected to survive. Again, no officers were injured in this case.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday afternoon, 44-year-old Carmelo Hernandez was shot and killed by Avondale police after he called 911 on himself. Reports indicated that Hernandez exhibited verbally aggressive behavior and threw a screwdriver at officers during the interaction. His family disclosed that he had struggled with mental health issues for several years. The situation escalated when Hernandez allegedly pointed what police thought was a firearm at them; however, it was ultimately revealed to be a toy gun. No officers sustained injuries during this encounter either.
The Role of Crisis Intervention Teams
In all three incidents, it remains unclear whether Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs), which are specifically trained to de-escalate mental health crises, were dispatched by the police. In 2019, Phoenix city leaders took steps to enhance response to crises by expanding their Community Assistance Program, incorporating specialized teams for 911 calls related to mental health emergencies. Despite this initiative, there are still questions about the implementation and effectiveness of these programs in preventing tragic outcomes.
Growing Concerns and Investigations
Authorities and community members alike are increasingly concerned about the patterns that are emerging from these incidents. Reports indicate a pressing need for better training, resources, and support for officers dealing with individuals in mental distress. Local law enforcement agencies are reportedly collaborating with news organizations to provide more transparency about police responses to mental health calls and the use of CITs.
As discussions around mental health awareness and police response strategies continue to evolve, the recent shootings in Arizona underscore a critical challenge faced by law enforcement across the state and the urgent need for effective intervention methods. Public safety remains a primary concern, as does the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family
- KTAR News
- FOX 10 Phoenix
- AZCentral
- KTAR News
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Google Search: Police Shootings Mental Health
- Google Scholar: Mental Health Crisis Intervention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health Law Enforcement
- Google News: Arizona Police Shootings
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
