Armed Man Fatally Shot by Police in Latter-day Saint Chapel Parking Lot in Queen Creek

Police in Queen Creek shot and killed an armed man Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse after family members called 911, reporting he was suicidal, authorities said.

According to Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice, the call came in shortly before 2 p.m. about a man in crisis near 229th Street and Rosa Road, just east of Meridian Road. Officers initially could not locate him but later found him in the area of 204th Street, near Chandler Heights and Ellsworth roads.

When officers tried to speak with the man, Brice said, “something happened,” and police opened fire. The man, who was armed, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released what type of weapon he had. No officers were injured.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel. Aerial footage from the scene showed police tape encircling the area as investigators examined evidence near a vehicle. Chief Brice said neither the church nor Queen Creek Elementary School across the street was involved in the incident.

The church declined to comment Thursday morning but confirmed that no church services or activities were taking place at the time.

The fatal encounter marks the 34th officer-involved shooting in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the 67th in Arizona this year, according to AZFamily records.

Law enforcement officials said the investigation remains active and that body camera footage will be reviewed as part of standard procedure. The identity of the man has not yet been released pending notification of family.