The family of a Chandler man killed in a shootout with police, are apologizing and speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Tuesday.
Mitchell Oakley’s family asked to keep their identity private, but felt they needed to reach out to express their wishes for a speedy recovery for the two officers injured during the confrontation.
"We're sorry for whatever happened, I just wish they continue to recover,” said Mitchell’s father.
Mitchell’s father says his son was very different than the initial picture painted by police and media reports.
He says, despite a previous past and arrest, his son was a hard worker and was in the process of turning his life around.
"We probably won't know [what led up to the shooting], from what I know, he wasn't there with the intentions of harming anybody,” said Mitchell’s father.
Mitchell’s father says he was with his family just hours before the Walmart incident, and nothing seemed to be wrong.
The family wants to thank everyone who has sent cards and given words of comfort.
They say they are proud of Mitchell and will stand by whatever the police investigation uncovers.
