Officer shoots man armed with a rock at a Phoenix Chili’s, police say

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- A man is in the hospital after police said an officer shot him because he wouldn’t drop a rock outside a Phoenix restaurant on Monday evening. The shooting happened at the entrance of a Chili’s Grill & Bar near Seventh Street and Bell Road just around 4:30 p.m.

It all started while police were responding to reports of criminal damage at an apartment complex in the area. Phoenix Police Sgt. Philip Krynsky, said that at that time a second call came in where witnesses reported seeing a man was throwing rocks and bottles at cars at nearby businesses. Officers found the man, who had a river rock in his hand. Krynsky says the man was acting erratically and officers began telling him to drop the rock. The man didn’t listen and then ran away, crossing Bell Road into the Chili’s parking lot. Officers began chasing him until the man reached the entrance of the Chili’s. Krynsky says an officer told the man to not go inside the restaurant, but he did not listen. The officer then shot the man, who then fell into the restaurant. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No officers, customers, or employees were injured during the shooting.

Arizona’s Family news chopper was over the scene. Crime scene tape surrounded the Chili’s and several police cars were seen near the entrance of the restaurant. Employees and customers were seen gathered in groups on the side of the restaurant.

The man has not been identified by police. The investigation is ongoing. According to Arizona’s Family’s records, this is the 22nd officer-involved shooting in the Valley in 2022 and the 34th overall in the state.

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