Phoenix Critical Incident Briefing : Office Involved Shooting Near 2800 W Peoria Avenue

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

July 22, 2020

The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing video from an officer-involved shooting near a hotel in the area of 10400 N. Black Canyon Highway.

The incident happened July 8, 2020 at approximately 6:56 a.m.

According to a 911 call, a man stated that his roommate was "becoming crazy," and he had kicked her out. He went on to say that she "shot a gun," which was determined to have occurred outside the apartment.

The responding officers all had body worn cameras.

When the officers arrived on scene, they met the caller who showed them where the woman had shot the gun. He then spotted the woman near a parking lot on the north side of the hotel and directed the officers to the woman, who was later identified as 24-year-old Jovanna Kelsey McCreary.

Two officers and a sergeant contacted McCreary. One of the officers asked her if she had a firearm. She said she did not. She also denied firing a gun.

The officers talked with McCreary for nearly seven minutes. With her permission, they searched her bag and found ammunition. They also found illegal drugs inside. At the same time, it was also discovered she had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for her arrest.

One of the officers took her hand to handcuff her. McCreary struggled to get away and pulled a handgun from her waist area. As the struggle continued, McCreary fired the gun, narrowly missing the officers. The two officers drew their weapons and fired at McCreary, who still had the gun in her hand.

McCreary was struck twice, dropped the gun, and hit the ground.

Officers on scene provided first aid to McCreary. Phoenix Fire Department personnel arrived and took over first aid. She was transported to a hospital in critical condition but survived her injuries.

No officers or bystanders were injured during this incident.

The two officers involved in this shooting are assigned to the Patrol Division in the Cactus Park Precinct. One officer has 29 years and the other has 14 years of service with the Phoenix Police Department.

The incident is the subject of both an internal and a criminal investigation, which will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete.

This video may contain strong language as well as graphic video and images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.