GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Late on the night of October 18, a routine stolen-vehicle alert spiraled into tragedy when Goodyear police shot and killed 19-year-old Christian Rosas during a foot pursuit, authorities say. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.
At about 10:50–11:00 p.m., law enforcement received a license-plate reader alert flagging a likely stolen car traveling near Interstate 10 and Dysart Road. Goodyear officers tracked the vehicle as it entered a parking lot at the southwest corner of Dysart and Van Buren Streets.
As the officers approached, Rosas exited the vehicle suddenly and fled on foot, running northward across the lot. The chase spanned parking areas and nearby roadways. During the pursuit, Rosas is alleged to have drawn a handgun. At that moment, three Goodyear officers discharged their weapons, striking him.
Responding officers immediately rendered first aid at the spot while awaiting paramedics. Despite their efforts, Rosas was declared dead there. Investigators recovered a handgun close to his body. Officials confirmed that none of the officers sustained injuries.
The investigation is being overseen by the Peoria Police Department under a regional protocol for officer-involved shootings. Detectives are reviewing body-worn camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence to establish an accurate timeline and assess whether the use of lethal force was justified.
Details such as the number of shots fired and the distance between Rosas and the officers at the moment the shots were fired have not been disclosed. When the inquiry finishes, findings will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for evaluation.
Goodyear police have expressed gratitude to the public for patience and emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability as the process moves forward.
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