Phoenix, December 20, 2025
On December 19, Phoenix police released a Critical Incident Briefing video detailing an officer-involved shooting from December 7. The incident resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man who was armed and did not comply with police commands. The video shows events from the initial 911 calls to the shooting. The officer involved has been with the department for nine years, and investigations are ongoing from several agencies to ensure accountability.
Phoenix
Phoenix police on December 19, 2025, released a Critical Incident Briefing video related to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 7, 2025, in the northern part of the city. The incident resulted in the death of Michael Frank Breuer, a 75-year-old man, who was reportedly armed and confronted an officer near 7th Avenue and Beardsley Road. The released footage details the sequence of events that led to the shooting, from initial 911 calls to the fatal encounter.
Details of the December 7 Incident
The events on December 7 began when Phoenix police received multiple 911 calls reporting a man armed with a handgun in a neighborhood near 7th Avenue and Beardsley Road. A subsequent call indicated that the individual was threatening to shoot someone. Police officers were dispatched to the scene, and a departmental helicopter also assisted in searching the area from the air.
During the search, an officer located Michael Frank Breuer, who was armed. The officer immediately sought cover behind a patrol vehicle and issued commands for Breuer to drop his weapon. According to police accounts, Breuer did not comply with these commands; instead, he advanced toward the officer while raising his gun, leading to the officer firing his duty weapon for the first time.
After being shot, Breuer was injured and sat on the ground. However, he then reportedly raised his gun again in the direction of the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon a second time. Following the second volley of shots, the man was separated from his firearm, detained, and medical aid was administered by fire crews. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators later determined that Breuer himself had made both 911 calls that initiated the police response.
Officer and Investigation Details
The officer involved in the shooting is a nine-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct. As is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings, multiple investigations are underway. The Major Incident Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, which is a State-level inquiry. Additionally, the Phoenix Police Department is conducting its own internal administrative investigation. The findings from these investigations will be subsequently reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, a State-level review.
Video Release and Public Information
The Critical Incident Briefing video was released by the Phoenix Police Department on December 19, 2025. The department has advised that the video contains both strong language and graphic images that some viewers may find disturbing, and viewer discretion is advised. This release provides the public with a detailed account, including audio and visual elements, related to the incident.
Context of Recent Police Encounters
This incident occurs amidst a period of heightened public attention on police use-of-force incidents in Phoenix and the wider region. In recent months, the Phoenix Police Department has been involved in several significant events. For instance, on October 15, 2025, police investigated a deadly double shooting in a north Phoenix neighborhood where one man died [cite: Original Snippet]. Earlier, on June 5, 2025, an attempted kidnapping suspect was shot and killed by police, with video footage of that incident also being released [cite: Original Snippet].
Further back, on May 25, 2025, another officer-involved shooting occurred near 25th Street and Cactus Road during a traffic stop where a driver became combative and allegedly grabbed at the officer’s holstered weapon. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries in that incident. In early October 2025, Phoenix saw multiple shootings, including one on October 2 where officers responded to a man threatening them with a knife, leading to his death. On October 11, 2025, an officer shot and killed a suspect reportedly holding a knife to a woman’s throat. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding police interactions and the use of force within the community.
Investigations Continue
All officer-involved shootings in Phoenix are subject to thorough review by multiple agencies to ensure transparency and accountability. These investigations typically involve criminal inquiries by an outside agency, like the Arizona Department of Public Safety, alongside internal administrative reviews by the Phoenix Police Department itself. The ultimate findings are then submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for an independent legal review, which determines if any criminal charges are warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the officer-involved shooting in north Phoenix occur?
The officer-involved shooting occurred on December 7, 2025.
When was the video footage of the incident released?
The Phoenix Police Department released the Critical Incident Briefing video on December 19, 2025.
Who was the individual shot by the officer?
The individual shot and killed by the officer was identified as Michael Frank Breuer, a 75-year-old man.
Where did the shooting take place?
The incident took place in north Phoenix, near 7th Avenue and Beardsley Road.
What were the initial circumstances leading to police involvement?
Police received multiple 911 calls reporting an armed man who was later reported to be threatening to shoot someone.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The incident is being investigated by the Major Incident Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (State-level) and the Phoenix Police Department, with findings to be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (State-level).
Does the released video contain graphic content?
Yes, the Critical Incident Briefing video released by the Phoenix Police Department contains strong language and graphic images that may be disturbing.
Key Features of the December 7, 2025 Officer-Involved Shooting
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | December 7, 2025 | City-level |
| Video Release Date | December 19, 2025 | City-level |
| Location | North Phoenix, near 7th Avenue and Beardsley Road | City-level |
| Deceased Individual | Michael Frank Breuer, 75 years old | City-level |
| Officer’s Tenure | Nine-year veteran of Phoenix Police Department | City-level |
| Primary Investigating Agency | Major Incident Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety | State-level |
| Reviewing Agency | Maricopa County Attorney’s Office | State-level |
| Video Content Warning | Contains strong language and graphic images | City-level |
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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.
