Mesa police release bodycam of officer shooting at a stolen vehicle suspect armed with a knife
By: The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. in a neighborhood near Stapley Drive and Main Street.
Police say the incident started with officers tracking a stolen work vehicle to the area. When officers arrived to locate the vehicle, 25-year-old Pedro Garcia came out of a residence and approached the vehicle.
Police add that when Garcia was questioned about the stolen vehicle, he pulled a knife out of his waistband and lunged at officers.
That's when two officers fired a total of three shots at Garcia.
Nobody was struck by the gunfire.
The suspect retreated and allegedly would not comply with commands. Eventually, bean bag rounds and a Taser were used to take the man into custody.
The suspect faces felony charges.
Police say Garcia admitted to stealing the vehicle from Tempe.