Intoxicated Male Points Gun At Police Officers

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On 01/18/2014 at 2117 hours, Mesa patrol officers respond to the 2000 block of  E. Des Moines in an attempt to locate a hit & run suspect in reference to a vehicle collision at Stapley and Southern. When the homeowner, 49 year-old Robert Neilson, answered the door, officers ask him if the hit & run suspect is there. Neilson tells the officers he is there, then takes a step back and pulls a handgun from his waistband, points it at the officers and says “Do you want this?” 

Due to being in such close proximity to Neilson, the officers first reaction was to grab the handgun and turn it away from themselves. A physical struggle for the handgun ensued and an officer was able to get it away from Neilson. The officers took Neilson to the ground, but he continued to physically struggle with the officers. At one point, Neilson was reaching for the handgun which was now on the ground. The officers were eventually able to take Neilson into custody. Robert Neilson was examined / treated at the scene by Mesa Fire paramedics for injuries. Neilson was transported to Banner Desert hospital for further treatment / medical clearance and his level of alcohol intoxication.

One of the officers received minor abrasions to his knees during the struggle. Neilson was booked on two counts of Aggravated Assault on Law enforcement and one count of Resisting Arrest. This was a very dangerous situation that could have ended tragically different for all involved, had it not been for the actions of our officers.