Phoenix, November 22, 2025
Manuel V. Vasquez, a 40-year-old involved in a police shooting in Phoenix, has been released from the hospital and booked into jail. Vasquez faced multiple charges including aggravated assault following a police response to a stolen vehicle report where he allegedly brandished a rifle and fled from officers. The incident escalated into a police chase where he fired shots, prompting police to return fire, injuring him. He now faces serious legal consequences for his actions.
PHOENIX, Arizona
Man Arrested After Police Shooting Released from Hospital
A 40-year-old man, identified as Manuel V. Vasquez, was released from the hospital and booked into the Maricopa County jail on November 20, 2025. Vasquez faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and unlawful flight from law enforcement, following a police-involved shooting that occurred on October 10, 2025, near downtown Phoenix.
Details of the Incident
On October 10, 2025, Phoenix police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle near 4th Avenue and Osborn Road. Upon arrival, officers heard gunfire and proceeded to a nearby apartment complex, where they found Vasquez standing next to a Honda Civic with a rifle on the roof. Body camera footage shows officers instructing Vasquez to show his hands; however, he grabbed the rifle and fled the scene.
Officers initiated a pursuit through downtown Phoenix as Vasquez fired two shots from his vehicle. The lead officer maintained a safe distance due to concerns about potential gunfire. During the chase, Vasquez continued to fire shots along city streets. Video footage captures officers surrounding Vasquez’s vehicle at 16th and Portland streets. Police allege that Vasquez rammed his Civic into a patrol SUV and reached for the rifle on the center console. An officer fired at least six shots at Vasquez, who was still in the car. He was struck in the chest, causing him to drop the rifle.
A search of Vasquez’s vehicle revealed a loaded rifle with a scope and a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine. After over a month of hospitalization, Vasquez was discharged and taken into custody on November 20, 2025. He faces charges of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, discharging a firearm within city limits, and unlawful flight from law enforcement.
Background Information
This incident is part of a series of police-involved shootings in Phoenix. In September 2025, 35-year-old Wilson Melgar-Melgar was shot by police while holding a toddler hostage. He was released from the hospital and booked into jail on multiple charges, including aggravated assault. In April 2023, 37-year-old Charles Rock was involved in a shootout with police after allegedly robbing a bank and shooting at a police helicopter. He was hospitalized with serious injuries and later booked into jail on multiple charges, including armed robbery and aggravated assault.
Related Incidents
- September 2025: Armed man shot by police while holding toddler booked into jail.
- April 2023: Man shot by authorities after shooting at police helicopter.
- December 2024: Family receives $4 million settlement for 2021 jailhouse death of Phoenix man.
FAQ
Who was Manuel V. Vasquez?
Manuel V. Vasquez is a 40-year-old man who was involved in a police-involved shooting in Phoenix on October 10, 2025, and has been arrested and booked into jail.
What charges does Manuel V. Vasquez face?
Vasquez faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, unlawful flight from law enforcement, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, and discharging a firearm within city limits.
What happened during the police incident on October 10, 2025?
During the incident, police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle and found Vasquez armed with a rifle. He fled the scene, led officers on a pursuit, fired shots, and was eventually shot by police.
Was anyone else involved in similar incidents recently in Phoenix?
Yes, there have been other police-involved shootings in Phoenix, including an incident in September 2025 involving a man holding a toddler hostage and another in April 2023 involving a man shooting at a police helicopter.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 10, 2025 |
| Arrest Date | November 20, 2025 |
| Charges | Aggravated assault, unlawful flight, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, discharging a firearm |
| Location | Downtown Phoenix, Arizona |
| Victim Status | Vasquez was shot by police and hospitalized prior to arrest |
Now Happening on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (November 20, 2025, 11:00 PM): Powerful storms battered parts of the Valley, causing outages and damage; an ex-Olympian faces murder and drug charges, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns in Phoenix. View on X
- @preparedbrief (November 20, 2025, 2:18 PM): Phoenix experienced a severe storm leading to major power outages and roof damage, with warnings about rising winter grid strain emphasizing emergency management needs. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (November 19, 2025, 10:30 AM): A man is in custody after driving to a police station claiming his girlfriend was dead in his truck; a pedestrian died in a crash on an I-17 off-ramp, underscoring traffic safety issues in the area. View on X
- @Oremus4Pacem (November 17, 2025, 1:09 AM): An early-morning shooting near 19th Avenue and Northern Avenue left one man dead, with a suspect arrested by Phoenix police in this latest violent crime incident. View on X
- @KTAR923 (November 16, 2025, 5:54 PM): A man was arrested following an overnight shooting that killed another individual, as authorities continue investigations into rising gun violence in Phoenix. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (November 18, 2025, 3:00 AM): Court documents detail the shooting death of a West Valley teenage girl, with DNA evidence linking a man to his cousin’s murder, raising concerns over local crime patterns. View on X
- @KTAR923 (November 18, 2025, 2:02 PM): A storm system brought moderate to heavy rainfall to metro Phoenix, with potential flooding risks affecting public safety and emergency response efforts. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (November 18, 2025, 6:00 PM): A woman was found dead outside a Phoenix police station, part of broader morning headlines including new apartment developments amid community discussions on safety. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fourth Suspect Arrested in Phoenix Teen’s Shooting Death
Convicted Sex Offender Arrested for Assaulting 10-Year-Old Girl
Fatal Rollover Crash on I-17 Near Jomax Road in Phoenix
Tragic Fiery Crash Claims Lives Near Light Rail Station
University of Arizona Empowers Youth with ‘Path to the Presidency’ Event
Upcoming Events in Scottsdale This November
Queen Creek High School Lockdown Lifted After Gunshot Reports
Sergio Reyes Sentenced for the Murder of Phoenix Teen
Phoenix Police Investigate Crash at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road
Phoenix Man Arrested for Firing Rifle at Police Officers
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX 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.
