Police have released new information in connection to a shooting in Avondale that left a shoplifting suspect dead.
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AVONDALE, Ariz. - Police have released new information in connection to a
shooting in Avondale that left a shoplifting suspect dead.
Avondale Police say they responded to reports of shoplifting at a Family Dollar store near
Dysart Road and Riley Drive at about 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 21.
The suspect, described as a black man who was wearing green and riding a purple bicycle, had allegedly shoplifted from the same store earlier in the day.
An officer later found a person matching the suspect's description at the Agua Fria River bottom near
10th Street and Riley Drive.
"As the officer approached the male, the male was observed to have a possible sharp tool on his waistband which later turned out to be one of three knives in the male’s possession," police said.
As the officer began placing the man in handcuffs, police say the suspect resisted, and a struggle ensued between him and the officer. The suspect reportedly choked the officer, who was on the ground, and tried to reach for the officer's holstered gun.
Police say the officer got back up to his feet, and the suspect again tried choking him. The officer then pulled out his gun and shot the suspect.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.