On August 22, 2016, just after 5:30 p.m., Tucson Police officers responded to a residence in the 5300 block of E. 29th St. reference a check welfare call. Prior to arrival, officers learned a male not known to the homeowners was parked in their driveway in a white pickup truck. The male was seated in the driver’s seat and armed with a handgun.
Officers arrived on scene and observed the truck in the driveway with the engine running. As they approached the vehicle, they noticed the male was not responsive and had one handgun in his hand and another on his lap. The officers backed away from the vehicle and called in additional officers to the scene. The roadway on E. 29th St. between S. Craycroft Rd and S. Beverly Ave. was quickly closed for safety to vehicles and pedestrians and three nearby residences were evacuated.
SWAT members and Hostage Negotiators responded to the scene and continually talked to the male through the use of a public address system. The male was not initially responding to police commands. The officers continued giving commands to the male and shortly before 7:30 p.m. he emerged from the truck and surrendered to the officers without incident. The male was identified as 23-year-old Ezekiel Frias.
Detectives responded to the scene to continue the investigation. They learned the vehicle Mr. Frias was in had been stolen out of Maricopa County last month. Additionally, they learned the handgun on Mr. Frias’ lap was an airsoft handgun. Mr. Frias was booked into the Pima County Jail on the following charges:
- Prohibited Possessor – A Class 4 Felony
- Possession of a Dangerous Drug (2 Counts) – A Class 4 Felony
- Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation – A Class 5 Felony
- Possession of Marijuana – A Class 6 Felony
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – A class 6 Felony
- Driving Under the Influence – A Class 1 Misdemeanor
- Unrelated Misdemeanor Warrant