When the officer stopped, Mr. Aziz assertively walked towards the officer’s car.
As the officer got out of his patrol car, Mr. Aziz responded in a hostile manner and refused to move out of the street. Mr. Aziz continued to quickly approach the officer in an aggressive manner with closed fists and the officer began to retreat.
Simultaneously, Mr. Aziz bladed his body, took a fighting stance, and charged quickly at the officer.
Faced with a fast and aggressive attack at close range, the officer drew his weapon while moving backwards and fired three rounds, striking Mr. Aziz. Responding officers immediately rendered first aid. Mr. Aziz was transported to a local hospital. No weapon was found at the scene of the incident.
The entire event unfolded in the middle of the street in a matter of seconds and was captured on body camera. Release of the body camera footage will come after a full review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) as per protocol.
A civilian witness in the area observed the incident and described what he thought was an officer being assaulted.
As is normal in these matters, the MCAO will review the incident.
Officer Brennan has one and a half years on the department. Officer Brennan is currently on administrative reassignment which is protocol.
Mr. Aziz was released from the hospital today. He has been booked and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, one count of Blocking a Public Thoroughfare, and an active Mesa Warrant for Criminal Trespass.
