Mesa police have identified 24-year-old Rachel Rodriguez as the woman who was fatally shot by officers in an incident that unfolded on the Sunday morning of May 2.
According to Mesa Police Sgt. Richard Encinas, the shooting occurred after officers were dispatched to a residence near Brown Road and Country Club Drive around 10:30 a.m.
The call came from Rodriguez’s roommate, who reported that Rodriguez was threatening her boyfriend with a knife and preventing him from leaving the home.
Upon arrival, officers found the roommate outside the residence while Rodriguez and her boyfriend remained inside.
Police attempted to communicate with Rodriguez via loudspeaker to persuade her to come out.
The situation escalated when officers heard the boyfriend yelling and screaming. This prompted them to enter the home immediately.
During the confrontation, an officer discharged their weapon, striking Rodriguez. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boyfriend was unharmed, and no officers sustained any injuries.