Glendale, Arizona – Glendale police have released edited body camera footage capturing an officer-involved shooting that occurred near the intersection of 62nd Avenue and Maryland Avenue. The incident unfolded as officers responded to reports of an individual damaging cars in the area.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect matching the description provided by callers. The suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Jose Enriquez Cortez, attempted to flee the scene by jumping into a car, which resulted in a collision with an officer’s patrol car.
Despite attempts by several officers to stop Cortez’s vehicle, he continued to evade them, leading to a pursuit through the neighborhood. In a desperate attempt to escape, Cortez exited the vehicle and charged erratically towards the officers.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation using a taser proved unsuccessful as Cortez persisted in his aggressive behavior. Ignoring commands from law enforcement, Cortez charged at the officers while reaching behind him, prompting one officer to discharge their weapon, fatally striking Cortez.
Despite immediate medical attention, Cortez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Glendale Police Department is conducting an investigation into the incident, reviewing the body camera footage and statements from witnesses to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the department remains committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
