A man was shot and killed by Phoenix Police early Saturday morning, leaving his family and the community in mourning and demanding answers. The incident occurred near 27th Avenue and Van Buren after police responded to reports of shots fired in the area. The victim has been identified as Imani Jackson, a man who, according to his family, had been turning his life around.
Incident Overview
Phoenix Police responded to reports of shots fired in the early hours of Saturday morning. Upon arrival, officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be involved in the incident. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Imani Jackson, did not comply with the officers’ commands. Instead, Jackson exited his vehicle and fled on foot, heading eastbound on Buckeye Road.
During the foot pursuit, officers claim that Jackson reached toward his waistband. This action led to an officer-involved shooting, where Jackson was shot by police. The Phoenix Police Department has stated that Jackson was hit by at least one bullet, although the exact number of shots fired and bullets that hit him has not been disclosed.
Family’s Response and Search for Answers
Jackson’s family has expressed deep sorrow and confusion over the incident. They describe Jackson as a family man who was dedicated to both his immediate family and the larger community. His daughter recounted how her friends from middle school looked up to her father as a father figure, particularly because many of them did not have fathers in their lives.
The family became concerned when Jackson did not return home at the expected time. His daughter mentioned that her mother began to worry when Jackson failed to return within 30 minutes to an hour. Her mother’s concern grew into a strong feeling that something was wrong. Acting on her instincts, Jackson’s wife drove around looking for him.
