News Summary
Newly released footage by the Phoenix Police Department shows critical moments leading to a police-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Rocky Joe Ellis. The incident, occurring outside an IHOP restaurant, escalated when Ellis, armed with a hatchet and chisel, advanced towards officers despite their commands to drop his weapons. The responding officers employed a less-lethal tool before using lethal force to subdue Ellis. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the shooting and have highlighted concerns regarding police use of force in crisis situations.
Phoenix – New footage released by the Phoenix Police Department has revealed critical moments leading up to the police-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 47-year-old Rocky Joe Ellis on August 19. The incident occurred outside an IHOP restaurant located near the intersection of 19th and Northern avenues at approximately 4 a.m.
According to authorities, multiple 911 calls were placed around that time, reporting that Ellis was trespassing and had threatened a customer after being asked to leave the establishment. Officers responded to these calls, arriving on the scene to find Ellis outside the restaurant, armed with a hatchet in his right hand and a chisel in his left.
Upon arrival, the responding officers instructed Ellis several times to drop his weapons; however, he refused their commands and began advancing toward the officers. In an attempt to subdue him, one officer utilized a 40mm less-lethal rubber bullet launcher and fired two rounds at Ellis, but these actions had no apparent effect. Ellis continued his approach towards the officers, prompting one officer to use lethal force and shoot him with a rifle.
Following the shooting, officers provided medical assistance to Ellis until firefighters arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Ellis was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. There were no injuries reported among the officers or bystanders during the chaotic incident.
Investigation and Recovery of Evidence
The officer involved in the shooting has been with the Phoenix Police Department for seven years and is currently assigned to the Desert Horizon precinct. He will be placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following such incidents. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is conducting an investigation into the shooting to determine the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the officers’ response.
As part of the ongoing investigation, law enforcement officials recovered the hatchet, chisel, and a knife that were in Ellis’s possession at the time of the incident. These items will be analyzed as evidence, and their relevance to the occurrence will be assessed as the investigation unfolds.
Public Safety Warning
Authorities have issued a warning regarding the graphic nature of the video footage that was released alongside the details of the incident. The release of this footage aims to provide transparency and accountability in the investigation process, although it may be disturbing for some viewers.
Context of the Incident
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns regarding police use of force and the challenges faced during encounters with individuals experiencing crises. Incidents involving mental health crises or weapon-related threats often require immediate and critical decision-making by law enforcement, raising complex questions about tactics and community safety.
The investigation will seek to address these concerns by evaluating the officers’ actions in the context of established protocols and by examining the broader implications for community relations and public safety in Phoenix. As this investigation progresses, findings will likely contribute to discussions on law enforcement practices and the treatment of individuals in crisis within the community.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Police Shooting IHOP Footage
- Wikipedia: Police Use of Force
- AZ Central: Phoenix Police IHOP Shooting
- Google Search: Phoenix Police Shooting
- AZ Family: Suspect Officer Hurt After Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Police Shooting Sends Officer to Hospital
- Google News: Phoenix Shooting
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.
