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Christopher Cuevas, 45, of Phoenix, was pronounced dead on scene.
Police say just after 4:30 a.m. an officer was dispatched to a residential burglary alarm activation near 7500 N. 59th Lane. The officer arrived and located Mr. Cuevas, who was in the back yard allegedly attempting to break into the home.
Investigators say Mr. Cuevas attempted to flee on foot, and the officer confronted him in the street giving verbal commands. Mr. Cuevas had a solid metal bar, about 2-3 feet in length, in his hand and charged at the officer, according to police.
The officer fired his weapon, striking Mr. Cuevas. Additional officers arrived on scene and attempted life-saving efforts with trauma kits.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Cuevas was attempting to break into the home when the officer arrived, according to police. No one was home at the time of the incident.
The officer did not sustain any injuries, and has been placed on administrative leave per standard practice in this situation.
He has been with the department for more than two years.
