GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Authorities have identified the suspect who was shot and killed by Goodyear police officers during a stolen vehicle investigation late Friday night as 19-year-old Christian Rosas, according to officials from the Peoria Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The incident began shortly before 11 p.m. on October 18, when Goodyear officers received an alert about a possible stolen vehicle near Dysart Road and Interstate 10. Officers soon located the vehicle as it pulled into a parking lot at the southwest corner of Dysart Road and Van Buren Street, according to a police news release issued on October 20.
As officers approached the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot, running north from the scene. Officers pursued him on foot, and during the chase, Rosas reportedly brandished a handgun. At that point, three Goodyear officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect, authorities said. All involved officers had their body-worn cameras activated at the time of the shooting, according to the Peoria Police Department.
After the gunfire, officers at the scene immediately provided medical aid to Rosas until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered near his body, investigators confirmed. No injuries were reported among the officers involved in the incident.
The Peoria Police Department is overseeing the investigation as part of a regional protocol for officer-involved shootings. Detectives are reviewing body camera footage, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting. Officials have not released how many rounds were fired or how close officers were when the shots were discharged.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and the findings will be turned over to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review once complete. Goodyear police officials expressed appreciation to the community for their patience as the process continues, emphasizing transparency and accountability.