Officer-Involved Shooting in Maricopa: Latest Updates
We’re following up on the officer-involved shooting that took place yesterday in Maricopa’s Desert Passage neighborhood.
According to police reports, officers were called to a home just before 8 a.m. after receiving a distress call about a man threatening self-harm. The individual, identified as 39-year-old Russell Avila, was shot three times by at least one Maricopa police officer and rushed to Dignity Chandler hospital for surgery.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Avila remains in stable condition. "The Pinal Regional Special Investigations Unit has taken over the Maricopa Police Department’s officer-involved shooting incident, per standard procedure," said PCSO spokesman J.D. Fitzgerald. "The sole suspect remains hospitalized in stable condition and is in police custody."
Maricopa police were waiting for a warrant yesterday afternoon to further investigate the home on Portis Drive. Charges are pending as the investigation unfolds, though no specific timeline has been provided.
Avila’s mother, Liane Avila, said her son was experiencing a panic attack after losing his job. In a state of distress, he was inconsolable and reportedly threatening self-harm with a knife. Hoping to get him help, she dialed 911.
She described the police response as immediate and forceful. "Four officers came in, and two seconds later—boom, boom, boom," she recounted. "He wasn’t attacking anyone. He was upset and scared."
She also noted that because Avila was placed in police custody while in surgery, she wasn’t able to get updates on his condition.
The case is now in the hands of investigators, with no official word yet on potential charges. As more details emerge, ZeeList Classifieds will continue to follow the story and provide updates.
Stay tuned for further developments.
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