MESA, AZ — Deadly Shooting Under Investigation After U.S. Marshals Attempt to Apprehend Fugitive Gang Member
MESA, AZ — A U.S. Marshals operation turned deadly Friday morning in Mesa, Arizona, after a shootout erupted during an attempt to apprehend a fugitive gang member. The incident occurred near 32nd Street and Baseline Road, prompting a multi-agency investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting.
According to a statement from the U.S. Marshals Service, members of the WANTED Task Force were conducting surveillance on a known fugitive who was wanted on multiple felony warrants issued by both the Mesa Police Department and the U.S. Marshals. Authorities say the man, whose identity has not yet been released, was a documented gang member and considered armed and dangerous.
The warrants against him included:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated domestic violence
- Disorderly conduct with a weapon
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Threats and assault
After locating the suspect at a residence in Mesa, law enforcement officers maintained surveillance until he left the home in a vehicle. Task force members attempted to initiate a stop, at which point the suspect allegedly opened fire on the officers, discharging multiple rounds.
In response, law enforcement returned fire. The suspect was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured in the exchange.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name, pending notification of next of kin. The East Valley Critical Incident Response Team has taken over the investigation, as is standard protocol in incidents involving the use of deadly force by law enforcement.
Officials have not disclosed further details about the number of shots fired, how many officers were involved, or whether any bystanders were nearby. The area around the shooting remained closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene.
The U.S. Marshals Service and Mesa Police Department thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasized that this operation was part of ongoing efforts to remove violent offenders from communities.
More information is expected as the investigation progresses.