PHOENIX (AP) - The Phoenix Police chief is asking the FBI to investigate a man’s shooting death at the hands of officers.
Chief Jeri Williams announced Tuesday that she is requesting the agency conduct an independent probe to see if 28-year-old James “Jay” Garcia’s civil rights were violated during the July 4 shooting.
Authorities say officers were called to a home Saturday afternoon in Phoenix’s Maryvale neighborhood about a suspect in an attempted stabbing targeting the victim again. Officers spoke with Garcia, who was sitting in a parked car on the driveway.
Police say officers commanded Garcia to exit the vehicle. He instead allegedly rolled up the window and brandished a handgun. Police say he told an officer to shoot him.
When he refused to lower the weapon, an officer broke a window as a distraction. Two other officers then opened fire.
Garcia was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The shooting drew protests earlier this week as well as national attention. Protesters and the victim’s family are calling for the release of all body camera footage.
The identities of the officers involved have not been released.
Williams says she welcomes an outside investigation.
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