A Tucson man reported to 911 that a man in a wheelchair had just tried to shoot him on September 15, 2012 at about 7:30 a.m. The Tucson Police Department responded to the scene at the Valencia Garden Apartments located at 190 West Valencia Road.
Sergeant Ray Mechtel, a 17-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, confronted the subject, 23-year old Johnny Castillo-Romero. Castillo-Romero pulled a weapon from his waistband at which time Sergeant Mechtel discharged his duty weapon at Castillo-Romero, striking him. Responding officers gave first aid to Castillo-Romero until Tucson Fire Department emergency personnel arrived to assist. Castillo-Romero was transported to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Homicide Detectives and personnel from the Office of Internal Affairs responded to continue the investigation. They learned that a confrontation ensued between the 9-1-1 caller and Castillo-Romero. During the alteration, Castillo-Romero, in his wheelchair, fired at least one round from his handgun. The victim immediately called 911. Sergeant Mechtel was the first to arrive on scene.
As Sergeant Mechtel was awaiting for back-up officers to arrive, he was saw a subject matching the description given, facing away from him. Sergeant Mechtel drew his duty weapon and ordered Castillo-Romero to show his hands. Castillo-Romero turned the wheelchair around to face the Sergeant. After repeated commands to show his hands, Castillo-Romero reached into his waistband and pulled out a handgun. Castillo-Romero began to raise the gun towards the sergeant, at which time Sergeant Mechtel discharged his duty weapon, striking Castillo-Romero.
Homicide Detectives continue their criminal investigation into the incident. Personnel from the Office of Internal Affairs are conducting an Administrative Investigation to ensure proper procedures and applicable policies were followed.