MESA, AZ – Mesa police have identified a woman who died in an officer-involved shooting after allegedly threatening her boyfriend with a knife, according to investigators.
Incident Details
Mesa Police Sgt. Richard Encinas stated that officers responded to a neighborhood near Brown Road and Country Club Drive at approximately 10:30 a.m. following a 911 call from the suspect’s roommate. The caller reported that 24-year-old Rachel Rodriguez was armed with a knife and preventing her boyfriend from leaving the home.
Upon arrival, officers found the roommate outside the house, while Rodriguez and her boyfriend remained inside. Attempts to communicate with Rodriguez via loudspeaker were made in an effort to persuade her to exit the residence peacefully. However, upon hearing the man’s distress calls from inside the home, officers entered immediately.
Fatal Encounter
Upon entry, one of the officers discharged their weapon, fatally injuring Rodriguez. The man was safely rescued by law enforcement and was unharmed during the incident.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific circumstances that led the officer to use lethal force. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Update from Mesa Police Dept.
A statement from the Mesa Police Department via Twitter confirmed the woman’s death at the scene, adding that there are no outstanding suspects and no further threat to the community.
Statewide Statistics
This marks the 33rd officer-involved shooting in Arizona since the beginning of 2024, highlighting an ongoing concern surrounding such incidents.
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