Phoenix, Arizona, December 8, 2025
A police-involved shooting in Phoenix led to the suspect’s death after officers responded to a threatening situation. The police department is under investigation, and a review of use-of-force policies is underway. No injuries were reported among officers or civilians. Community concerns over public safety and police accountability are rising in light of recent incidents.
Phoenix, Arizona – Officer-Involved Shooting Results in Suspect’s Death
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, a police-involved shooting in north Phoenix led to the death of a suspect. The Phoenix Police Department reported that officers responded to a call in the area of 28th Avenue and Thunderbird Road around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered a man who was armed and posed a threat to the officers. In response, an officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect. Despite immediate medical attention, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or community members were injured during the incident. The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This incident marks the latest in a series of officer-involved shootings in Phoenix, prompting the police department to review and potentially revise its use-of-force policies to enhance public safety and officer accountability.
Recent Officer-Involved Shootings in Phoenix
In the past two months, Phoenix has experienced several officer-involved shootings, including:
- October 2, 2025: An officer-involved shooting occurred near 5600 South 6th Street. Officers responded to a suicide attempt call involving a man armed with a knife. The man confronted officers, leading to the use of deadly force. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later pronounced deceased. The incident is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division.
- October 2, 2025: Another officer-involved shooting took place near 16th Street and Buckeye Road. Officers responded to an attempted armed robbery at a fast-food restaurant. Upon arrival, the suspect complied with commands but abruptly stood up, prompting an officer to fire. The suspect was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Police Department’s Response and Policy Review
In response to the recent increase in officer-involved shootings, Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano announced new policies aimed at improving de-escalation techniques and reducing the use of force. These measures include enhanced training programs for officers and a comprehensive review of current protocols to ensure they align with best practices in law enforcement. The department emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accountability in all critical incidents.
Community Impact and Public Safety
The series of officer-involved shootings has raised concerns within the Phoenix community regarding public safety and police conduct. Residents and advocacy groups are calling for increased oversight and community engagement to address these issues. The Phoenix Police Department continues to collaborate with community leaders and organizations to foster trust and ensure the safety of all individuals in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the officer-involved shooting on December 7, 2025?
On December 7, 2025, at approximately 11 a.m., Phoenix police officers responded to a call in the area of 28th Avenue and Thunderbird Road. They encountered a man who was armed and posed a threat. An officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or community members were injured. The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division is investigating the incident.
How many officer-involved shootings have occurred in Phoenix recently?
In the past two months, Phoenix has experienced several officer-involved shootings, including incidents on October 2, 2025, near 5600 South 6th Street and 16th Street and Buckeye Road. These incidents are under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division.
What actions is the Phoenix Police Department taking in response to these incidents?
In response to the recent increase in officer-involved shootings, Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano announced new policies aimed at improving de-escalation techniques and reducing the use of force. These measures include enhanced training programs for officers and a comprehensive review of current protocols to ensure they align with best practices in law enforcement. The department emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accountability in all critical incidents.
How is the community reacting to these officer-involved shootings?
The series of officer-involved shootings has raised concerns within the Phoenix community regarding public safety and police conduct. Residents and advocacy groups are calling for increased oversight and community engagement to address these issues. The Phoenix Police Department continues to collaborate with community leaders and organizations to foster trust and ensure the safety of all individuals in the city.
Key Features of the Incident
| Date and Time | Location | Suspect’s Status | Officer’s Status | Investigation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7, 2025, around 11 a.m. | 28th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, Phoenix, Arizona | Deceased at the scene | No injuries reported | Under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Major Incident Division |
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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.
