Phoenix Police Arrest & Kill Robert Musser - Police Tactics Good & Bad

4 years ago
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The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing video from an officer-involved shooting in the area of Watson Road in the City of Buckeye.
The April 28, 2020, incident which involved 32-year-old Robert Musser.
Phoenix Police officers from the Central City Precinct's Neighborhood Enforcement Team were conducting follow-up on multiple felony crimes that had occurred two weeks prior. Musser was accused of misconduct involving weapons, aggravated assault, and felony flight from police.
At approximately 8:00 in the morning, officers found Musser in the area of 43rd Avenue and Northern and began surveillance. Officers watched Musser exit the grocery store and get into the backseat of a vehicle. As the vehicle headed south on 43rd Avenue, patrol officers attempted a traffic stop.
The vehicle came to a stop at Orangewood Avenue and the driver immediately jumped out onto the ground yelling, "he has a gun." Musser climbed to the front seat, armed with a handgun, shut the door, and drove away. The victim told police he was a rideshare operator and the suspect had stolen his car, armed with a gun.
Knowing his history of violence, running from officers, and taking community safety into consideration, officers opted against pursuing Musser, instead allowing the police helicopter to track his location.
At the same time, the Special Assignments Unit (SAU) was called in. They began trailing Musser in the far west valley and shortly thereafter, Musser exited I-10 at Watson and headed south into the City of Buckeye.
SAU officers attempted to contain Musser's vehicle in an open field using a vehicle interdiction maneuver. A vehicle interdiction is a tactic used to stop a violent suspect's vehicle from moving. Only trained officers can use this maneuver.
As SAU officers pushed Musser's vehicle off the roadway, Musser shot at two SAU officers in their vehicle. The SAU officers returned fire.
As the vehicle came to a stop, less lethal gas and baton rounds were deployed into the vehicle in an effort to safely approach the vehicle.
Body worn camera video of the incident does not show the shooting itself, but does capture the vehicle maneuver, and the sounds of shots being fired.
Officers pulled Musser from the vehicle and Buckeye Fire Department personnel transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. It was later determined by the medical examiner that Musser was struck by officers' rounds but ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
There were no injuries to the carjacking victim or the involved officers.
Two officers fired their weapons during the incident. Both officers are assigned to SAU. The first is 48 years old and a 25-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. The second officer is 53 years old and has been with the department for 28 years.
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.

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