Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Video: Phoenix Officer Shoots Man Armed with Hatchet, Knife & Chisel

A Phoenix police officer fatally shot a man advancing on officers with a hatchet and chisel after a less-lethal launcher did not stop the man’s advance.

by Staff
September 3, 2025
Police emergency light bar with 'Fatal OIS' video release announcement

A man brandishing a hatchet and a chisel advanced on officers before being fatally shot by an officer armed with a patrol rifle.

Credit:

POLICE

2 min to read


A Phoenix police officer fatally shot a man armed with a hatchet, knife, and chisel. Police deployed less-lethal weapons, but the man continued to advance on officers while brandishing two of the edged weapons.

The Phoenix Police Department released a critical incident briefing video, which shows the events from multiple officers’ body-worn cameras. Sgt. Lorraine Fernadez, of the department’s public affairs bureau, provided narration about how the events unfolded.

Ad Loading...

911 Callers Report Man with Hatchet

The night of the shooting, Aug. 19, officers were dispatched to a trespassing call at a local restaurant. The caller told the 911 dispatcher that a man entered the restaurant after he had been told to leave and was now threatening customers.

“He has a really large hatchet and a knife on him, and a chisel,” one 911 caller reported.

 A second caller also reported a man armed with a hatchet and making threats. “I fear for my life,” the female caller told the 911 dispatcher.

Officers arrived and found the man outside the restaurant, brandishing a hatchet and a chisel.

Less-Lethal Deployed

“Officers gave him multiple commands, which the man did not comply with as he continued to walk towards the officers,” Fernandez said in the briefing video. “One officer used his 40-mm less-lethal launcher, striking the man with limited effect as the man continued walking towards officers.”

Ad Loading...

As the man continued to advance on the officers while holding the hatchet and chisel, an officer fired his patrol rifle, stopping the man’s advance.

Officers immediately rendered aid, and the Phoenix Fire Department responded and transported the man to an area hospital, where he later died.

The officer who fired his patrol rifle has served seven years with the Phoenix Police Department. No officers were injured.

“This incident is the subject of a criminal investigation being conducted by the major incident division of the Department of Public Safety. It will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's office. It is also the subject of an administrative investigation being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department,” Fernadez explained.

Read More: Re-Thinking How Police Train and Talk About the 21-Foot Rule

Topics:Patrol

More Patrol

Graphic promoting the 2027 World Police & Fire Games in Perth, Australia, featuring an aerial city view and photos of international participants carrying Brazilian and Australian flags.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.

Read More →
New York City skyline at night with the Tribute in Light beams illuminating the sky in remembrance of September 11, with the 5.11 logo in the upper left.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343

5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Read More →
Team Wendy graphic announcing sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation, featuring a black-and-white photo of Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore, whose end of watch was November 11, 2023.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation

Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund graphic for the 2026 9/11 commemoration ceremony beside a close-up of a police officer’s badge, with blurred emergency lights in the background.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony

The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.

Read More →
Officer of the Month graphic for June 2026 honoring officers of the Chico, California, Police Department, featuring the department’s police badge and a rose emblem.
PatrolAugust 20, 2026

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.

Read More →
Three smartphone screens display the Team Wendy community app, featuring tactical gear content, upcoming events, news, surveys, and navigation tools for warranty, sizing, and user profiles.
PatrolAugust 13, 2026

Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners

The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security officer wearing an earpiece uses a handheld two-way radio at an outdoor event, with PositionPTT push-to-talk radio accessories and earpiece shown alongside for professional communications.
PatrolJuly 28, 2026

PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance

Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.

Read More →
Graphic announcing $25 million in law enforcement grants and resources over a photo of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with large blue-and-white headline text overlaying the building.
PatrolJuly 23, 2026

Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.

Read More →
POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips YouTube thumbnail asking, “What qualifies a device as rugged or fully rugged?” featuring a Panasonic Toughbook laptop on a dark street background.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJuly 23, 2026

What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?

What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Leadership update graphic featuring Team Wendy President Vasilios Brachos standing in front of a display of protective helmets, with POLICE Law Enforcement Solutions branding and text announcing his appointment as company president.
PatrolJuly 22, 2026

Avon Technologies Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President

Longtime ballistic helmet leader Vasilios Brachos has been selected to guide the next chapter of protection, innovation, and growth at Team Wendy.

Read More →