Phoenix Police officers hurt, suspect dead after burglary investigation at storage unit facility

PHOENIX - Two officers were hurt, and a suspect died after an incident in Phoenix on July 1 at a storage unit facility. 

Phoenix Police officers are investigating a shooting at 30th and Washington streets after a burglary was initially reported at around 3:35 p.m.

When they arrived at the scene, they made contact with a man and woman who matched the description of the report. They were able to confirm the woman's identity but as for the man, he didn't provide any identifying documents or information, Sgt. Brian Bower said.

When officers were trying to detain the man to be able to investigate further, Bower said a struggle ensued.

"During that struggle, the officer-involved shooting occurred," he said.

He explained further, saying, "The suspect was seen reaching and grabbing for one of the officer's Tasers multiple times. The officers gave him multiple commands to stop. The person did not obey those commands and did not stop. That’s when the officer-involved shooting occurred."

Two officers were involved in the altercation. Bower says one fired their gun and the other is being called a "witness officer."

The witness officer suffered a leg injury and was taken to the hospital. The other officer sustained hand injuries.

As for the suspect, after arriving at the hospital in critical condition, he died. He was identified as 35-year-old Raul Mendez.

The woman who was involved in the incident was arrested, but police did not say what charges she could face.

She was identified as Sonya Gonzalez.

On July 14, Phoenix Police released the body camera video of the incident, which contains graphic images. 

Map of where the incident happened: