GLENDALE, AZ- A fatal officer-involved shooting occurred in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday evening, according to Phoenix police. The incident began when 26-year-old Robert Crockett commandeered a rideshare vehicle at gunpoint near 85th Avenue and Indian School Road, around 6:30 p.m.
Crockett allegedly forced the driver out of the vehicle and drove to Glendale. Phoenix police were able to track the stolen vehicle to a residence near 91st and Glendale Avenues, a short distance from the Westgate Entertainment District.
Upon arrival, a woman emerged from the house, informing the officers that the suspect was alone inside. Shortly after, Crockett reportedly exited the house brandishing a firearm and aiming it at several officers. In response, three Phoenix police officers fired their weapons.
Emergency crews, who had to don gas masks due to a strong gas odor emanating from the house, pronounced Crockett dead at the scene. No officers from Glendale were involved in the shooting, and no officers from either department were injured.
Although it appears that Crockett did not fire his weapon at the police, the investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Marea Quiroz, a local resident who was house-sitting in the neighborhood at the time, described the scene as “insane,” noting that the usually quiet neighborhood was teeming with police activity.
Uber, the rideshare company for which the carjacking victim worked, confirmed the incident and issued a statement. This incident marks the 45th officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County and the 60th in the state this year.