A Chandler police officer fired a single shot Thursday afternoon that killed a 22-year-old man who had been waving a gun near Dobson and Warner roads, according to police. The man, identified by investigators as Romero Anthony Hernandez, died after ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon during a confrontation with two responding officers around 3:30 p.m.
Chandler police were dispatched to the intersection following reports of a person waving a gun, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Officers say the shooting happened shortly after they arrived on scene, when Hernandez allegedly pointed the firearm in multiple directions despite verbal warnings to put it down. One of the two officers on the scene discharged a single duty round, striking Hernandez, who was later transported to a hospital by Chandler Fire Department personnel after officers rendered aid.
Investigators recovered two firearms connected to Hernandez at the scene, one handgun found lying next to him where he fell and a second weapon located on his person before he was transported, per KTAR News. The officer who fired has been with the Chandler Police Department for about three years, the outlet reports. No officers or bystanders were hurt in the encounter, and police say the shooting no longer poses a danger to the public.
What Chandler Police Have Not Said
Police have not disclosed Hernandez’s condition following the shooting beyond confirming the outcome, and department officials have not elaborated on what led up to the confrontation before officers arrived. Traffic restrictions remained in place around Dobson and Warner roads as the investigation continued, Chandler police said…