The Tucson Police Department is continuing investigation of an officer involved shooting of 41-year-old Carlos Alegria that took place Tuesday morning in the 5600 block of East Pima Street. During the incident, two officers discharged their firearms; Officer Mark Molina, a 19 year veteran of the Tucson Police Department and Officer Gary Rosebeck, an 8 year veteran of the Tucson Police Department.
The suspect was taken to a local area hospital yesterday and is still being treated. Upon release from the hospital, Alegria will be booked into Pima County Jail on Aggravated Assault charges.
On Tuesday 9:37 a.m., the Tucson Police Department received a 911 call reference a man with a knife who was threatening construction workers in the neighborhood. Four officers responded to the scene and began looking for the suspect. An adult male matching the description was located in the area. Alegria was seen walking down the street with a knife in his hand. As officers approached and attempted to speak with him, Alegria pulled out a handgun. Moments later, shots were fired and Alegria was struck multiple times.
As detectives continued their investigation, they were able to determine that the handgun Alegria brandished was a BB gun. An independent witness saw Alegria holding a knife as police responded. A second independent witness saw Alegria pull out a gun as officers were speaking to him.
Detectives from the Violent Crimes Section and the Office of Professional Standards responded to continue the investigation. The Violent Crimes Section is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident. Additionally, the Office of Professional Standards is conducting a separate and parallel administrative investigation to examine the actions of department personnel in response to this incident. This is standard protocol in all officer involved shootings.