AVONDALE, AZ — A man is dead after being shot by Avondale police officers on Tuesday afternoon.
At around 1:30 p.m., officers were called to the area of 125th Avenue and Elwood Street, near Lower Buckeye Road, for a 911 call about a man with a gun.
When officers arrived, they located the man in question.
According to an investigation by the Peoria Police Department, which is handling the investigation, the man was verbally aggressive and began walking toward officers.
Officers told him to raise his hand but he continued walking and threw a screwdriver in their direction.
The man was also reportedly holding a black, revolver-style gun. Officers claim he pointed it at them, and as a result, one Avondale officer fired at least one round, striking the man.
He was taken to a hospital where he died. He has been identified as 44-year-old Carmelo Hernandez of Avondale.
Investigators later identified the black firearm as a toy, revolver-style cap gun.
Additionally, investigators believe Hernandez is the one who placed the original 911 call requesting a police response.
No other injuries were reported.
An investigation remains ongoing.
