APACHE JUNCTION, AZ — The Apache Junction Police Department has released body camera footage and a critical incident community briefing following an officer-involved shooting on February 14, 2026, that left one man dead. Officers later determined the man was armed with a realistic BB gun replica of a Sig Sauer handgun.
What the Apache Junction Officer-Involved Shooting Documents Show
Officers responded to a domestic violence call near Ironwood Drive and Shiprock Road at approximately 7:25 p.m. The reporting party stated they could hear a woman yelling inside a nearby residence. Three patrol officers in fully marked uniforms arrived at that address and discovered it had a fenced, locked yard. They attempted to make contact from outside the gate.
A male exited the residence holding what appeared to be a handgun. Officers identified themselves as police and ordered him to drop the weapon. He raised the gun toward the officers. An officer-involved shooting then occurred.
Officers entered the yard and provided medical aid until fire personnel arrived. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers were injured.
What the Body Camera Footage Shows
The department released body camera footage as part of its Critical Incident Community Briefing. In the video, an officer can be heard saying, “Hey, police department.” The man responds, “Who the f*** are y’all?” Officers repeatedly order him to drop the gun. “Put the gun down. Police department. Drop the gun. Police department. Put the gun down.” Gunshots follow.
WARNING: The video contains strong language and graphic images that may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Independent Investigation Underway
The Mesa Police Department is leading the criminal investigation through the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team (EVCIRT). EVCIRT includes investigators from Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe police departments.
Commander Michael Beaton stated that EVCIRT ensures greater transparency and accountability by keeping the involved agency out of its own criminal investigation.
Officer Gabriel Facio Shooting
The February 14 shooting follows the June 2, 2025, line-of-duty shooting of Officer Gabriel Facio. Officers responded to a report of a man brandishing a firearm from a white Tesla. After locating the vehicle and initiating a traffic stop, suspect Roger Nunez, 37, of Apache Junction retrieved a handgun from his glove box and exited the vehicle. After a foot pursuit of approximately one mile, Nunez fired at Officer Facio from 60 to 70 yards away, striking him in the face. Officers returned fire and struck Nunez. Officer Facio died on June 8, 2025.
Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller subsequently filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Nunez, stating the crime meets the legal requirements for the death penalty under Arizona law, including the killing of a peace officer in the line of duty. Apache Junction Police Department has also released body camera footage from the Facio shooting, which the Pinal Post published here.
