Murder suspect accused of firing at Mesa Police after barricading inside apartment identified
MESA, Ariz. - Mesa Police have identified a murder suspect who is accused of firing at Mesa police officers after barricading himself inside an apartment complex on July 17.
What we know:
In a statement released on July 20, the suspect was identified as 46-year-old Abishai Israel.
"Israel was booked into jail on 17 counts of Aggravated Assault (ARS 13-1204(A)(2)) and one count of Misconduct Involving Weapons (ARS 13-3102(A)(4))," read a portion of the statement.
The backstory:
Mesa Police responded to a call regarding shots fired around 11 p.m. at an apartment complex near Dobson and Broadway Road.
A man was found dead "with obvious signs of trauma," but the suspect had left before officers arrived. When the suspect was found, he barricaded himself inside an apartment.
"While attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender with the suspect, the suspect fired multiple rounds at officers," the police department said. "This is when the officer-involved shooting occurred."
The suspect eventually got out of the apartment, but would not cooperate with police. Officers said they used a bean bag shotgun and Taser to tame the man. He suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized.
No one was hit by any shots fired, and no officers were hurt in the incident.
What we don't know:
The events leading up to the initial shots-fired call are unknown. They are also not identifying the murder victim at this time.
"The relationship between Israel and the homicide victim is currently unknown," read a portion of the statement.
What's next:
Scottsdale Police is handling the officer-involved shooting investigation, according to Mesa Police.
Map of the area.
The Source: Mesa Police Department