A man is dead following an officer-involved shooting with Sahuarita police on Saturday night, according to a news release.
Sahuarita police say at 11:17 p.m. they responded to the 100 block of Placita Lago del Encanto regarding a domestic violence incident.
As officers arrived on scene, police say 29-year-old Richard Timothy Herrera began to flee the scene.
A vehicle pursuit then ensued which resulted in three Sahuarita police officers being involved in a shooting with Herrera in the 1300 block of Calle de la Plaza.
Sahuarita police say Herrera was pronounced dead at the scene. All officers were not injured in the incident.
Rudy Musquiz, a homeowner in the neighborhood, says he was setting up his Christmas decorations when he saw the police pull into the cul-de-sac. He saw the suspect stay in his car, gun in hand. Musquiz took cover, but was close enough to see and hear how the events unfolded.
"The officers told the gentleman to drop his gun, and he would not drop his gun," Musquiz said. "Multiple times they gave him the chance to drop his gun and he would not drop his gun. So the officers opened fire on him, and actually the gentleman died in front of my house."
At least 12 shots, according to Musquiz. One of them hitting his car, which says isn't the end of the world.
The Sahuarita Police Department has turned over the criminal investigation to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Sahuarita police will be conducting a criminal investigation associated with the original call for service and an administrative review for the shooting incident.
The three officers involved have been identified as Officer Kevin Bender, Sergeant Michael Falquez, and Officer Aaron Medina. The three of them have a combined total of 39 years of law enforcement experience.
