Tucson, Arizona — On Saturday, February 24, 2024, just after 10:00 p.m., the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call regarding a suspicious individual at a hotel situated at 4855 South Palo Verde Road.

According to the 911 caller, an employee of the hotel, a male adult was seen shouting outside a hotel room while brandishing a sword. Upon arrival, deputies encountered 23-year-old Devon Lewis standing outside a hotel room, holding the weapon. As deputies approached, Lewis sheathed the sword, but continued to hold onto it.

Deputies attempted to communicate with Lewis, who responded with incoherent statements. Suddenly, Lewis removed the sword from its sheath and assumed an aggressive posture. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Lewis refused and advanced towards the deputies with the sword raised. In response, one of the deputies, identified as Ramon Morales, discharged his firearm, striking Lewis.

Efforts were made to administer first aid by the deputies until personnel from the Rural Metro Fire Department arrived. However, Lewis was pronounced deceased at the scene. Fortunately, neither deputies nor any other individuals were injured during the incident. 

Deputy Ramon Morales, who discharged his firearm, has been identified as having one year of experience with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.