Phoenix police fatally shoot armed man during Laveen trespassing call near 35th Avenue and Baseline Road

Incident unfolded during response to vacant-home trespassing complaint

One person died Friday morning after a shooting involving Phoenix police officers in the Laveen area, following a call about people trespassing inside a vacant house near 35th Avenue and Baseline Road.

Police said officers assigned to a community action squad were dispatched around 11 a.m. after receiving a neighborhood complaint about multiple people inside an abandoned or vacant residence. When officers arrived, several individuals ran from the home, and one man fled from the area as officers moved behind the property to intercept those leaving.

Police say man ran, was seen with a handgun, then pointed it at officers

Authorities said the man ran west along Baseline Road while carrying a handgun. Officers attempted to cut him off with a marked police vehicle and continued pursuit as he moved away from them. During the chase, police reported that the man entered the entryway of a gated community and turned toward the pursuing officers.

Police said the man pointed a handgun in the direction of officers, and an officer fired a single round from a rifle.

The man was struck and fell to the ground. Officers provided medical aid before he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Victim identified; weapon recovered; no officers injured

Police identified the man who died as 45-year-old Christopher Alan Phillips. A handgun was recovered near where Phillips fell, authorities said. No officers were injured during the encounter.

The area around 35th Avenue and Baseline Road was temporarily closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene; streets later reopened.

Investigations and review process

The shooting is being investigated as a critical incident. Police said the case will undergo a criminal investigation and subsequent review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, alongside an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with policy and law.

What is known and what remains unclear

• Known: Officers were responding to a trespassing call at a vacant home; a foot pursuit followed; police allege Phillips pointed a handgun at officers; one officer fired one shot; Phillips later died at the hospital; a handgun was recovered.

• Unclear: Authorities have not publicly detailed whether Phillips fired any shots, the identities or potential charges involving other individuals who fled the home, or additional evidence that may be evaluated during prosecutorial review.

Police have indicated that further conclusions will depend on the completion of the investigative and review process.