A new body cam footage released by Arizona authorities shows a male suspect being shot to death after pointing a handgun at a police dog’s head. The incident occurred on August 25 in Tucson, Arizona.
On August 25th, 2022, the Tucson Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics team SWAT we’re conducting surveillance on Francisco Javier Galarza, a 49-year-old suspect in relation to active felony arrest warrants for home invasion and bank robbery.
At approximately 11:45 AM a blue BMW pulled into a Circle K parking lot, located at six 90 South Park Avenue. Mr. Galarza exited the vehicle and entered the convenience store. At approximately 11:51 AM Mr. Galarza exited the store.
Officers immediately approached Galarza, instructing him to get down on the ground. However, the video shows Mr. Galarza trying to run from the officers and removing a black handgun from a bag he is carrying. Officer Barry Peterson released his canine partner named Kiro to apprehend Galarza. The dog ended the pursuit by bringing Galarza to the ground.
While on the ground, Galarza points a firearm at the dog’s head, prompting officers Ernest Ortiz and Barry Peterson to discharge their firearms, the video shows. Officers immediately provided medical attention to Galarza using their individual first aid kits. However, despite these efforts, Mr. Galarza was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to authorities.
Here is a statement from the Tucson Police K9:
This investigation is ongoing, which may reveal additional facts. This video is not meant to draw conclusions about whether the acts of the Tucson Police Department were consistent with their policies and the law. That cannot be done until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.
The following video contains violence. Viewer discretion is advised.