On Sunday, November 6th, at 9:48 p.m. the Pinal County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Center received calls from residents in the Colonia Del Sol Mobile Home Park (5800 block of North Begonia St, unincorporated area of Casa Grande) regarding suspicious activity. One of the callers said, a male suspect had a flashlight and pole and tried to come into his back door. The homeowner was able to push him out and then saw him walk over to another trailer. A second caller reported that the male suspect was carrying a metal pole and flashlight and tried to get into her residence through the front door.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “The first deputy arrived in the area at 10:03 p.m. and began looking for the suspect. The deputy found the suspect at 10:07 p.m. and he was carrying a large wooden stake. The deputy gave the suspect several verbal commands to drop the stake but he refused. The suspect advanced towards the deputy swinging the stake in a threatening matter. The deputy attempted to use his Taser but the less lethal device did not stop the suspect who continued to advance towards the deputy. The deputy while pointing his duty weapon at the suspect ordered him to stop and drop the stake. The suspect continued to advance while swinging the stake in a threatening manner. As the suspect got close, the deputy feared for his safety so he fired three rounds from his handgun striking the suspect.”
The suspect then dropped his stake and complied with the orders given by the deputy. The suspect was given emergency medical treatment at the scene, and then transported by air ambulance to the Maricopa Medical Center where he underwent immediate surgery.
Sheriff Babeu continued, “The suspect is in stable condition following the surgery. Detectives have collected evidence at the scene and spoken to witnesses who have confirmed the account of the events as reported by the deputy. Thankfully the deputy was not injured and the suspect will recover from his injuries.”