Drunk Motorist Shot Dead By Cops During Power Struggle Over Handgun

A drunk driver was shot dead by a Phoenix Police officer as the suspect fought with another officer over a gun during a traffic stop.

The deadly shooting occurred in Phoenix, in the US state of Arizona on 25th of February.

This incident began in the area of Central Avenue and Bell Road around 2:30 in the afternoon when Phoenix Police received a call about a person driving erratically, swerving in the roadway and openly drinking alcohol while driving.

The caller followed the driver and indicated the driver nearly hit a pedestrian before pulling into an apartment complex at 17617 North 9th Street.

At about 2:40 pm officers arrived at the apartment complex and found the pickup truck described by the caller backed into a parking spot.

They found the male driver reclined in his seat behind the wheel.

One of the officers moved up to the passenger side of the truck and noticed there was a rifle in the front console area.

After having the man get out of the truck officers saw a handgun in the driver's door pocket.

Officers had the man move to the back-quarter panel of the truck as they began to conduct a DUI investigation.

One officer returned to his patrol vehicle to conduct a records check on the driver and a second officer stayed with the driver.

A few moments later the officer sees the driver move towards the open driver's door and grab the handgun.

The officer grabs the man from behind and the two struggled for control of the handgun.

The officer doing the records check sees the commotion and comes back with his duty weapon out and fires one shot at the man.

After the shooting, officers provided lifesaving measures until the Phoenix Fire Department arrived on the scene.

The man was then taken to a local hospital where he did not survive his injuries.

The officer involved in this incident is assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct and has over 14 years of service with the department.

The investigation is currently ongoing.