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.
She eventually arrived at the scene of the shooting, where she recognized her husband’s car and saw someone lying on the ground. The person was wearing pants that the family had recently given Jackson for Father’s Day and a black shirt, leading her to realize that it was Jackson who had been shot.
Surveillance Video and Demands for Transparency
Surveillance video from the scene shows Jackson walking away from the officers with his hands raised. However, he soon walks out of the camera’s view. Moments later, two officers are seen jogging out of the frame in pursuit of him. This footage has left Jackson’s family with many questions, particularly regarding the sequence of events that led to the shooting.
Jackson’s family has requested the release of body camera footage from the incident. They want to know whether Jackson had a gun on him at the time of the shooting, as they believe he may have been holding his phone instead. The family is particularly troubled by the fact that Jackson had often expressed a fear of dying at the hands of the police.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Phoenix Police Department has stated that more details about the incident will be released in accordance with their two-week transparency policy. In a news release, the department confirmed that Jackson was struck by at least one bullet but did not provide further details about the number of shots fired or the exact location of a weapon found at the scene.
The family and the community are anxiously awaiting more information, hoping that the release of body camera footage and additional evidence will provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death.
This incident has left a profound impact on Jackson’s family, who are struggling to come to terms with his death. The loss of Jackson, described as the protector and provider of the family, has left a void that cannot be filled. His daughter voiced the pain of the situation, stating that it is difficult to remain positive given the tragic circumstances.
The shooting has also resonated within the community, as Jackson was not only a family man but also someone who was invested in helping others. His death has sparked a dialogue about police interactions and the use of force, particularly in situations where individuals may not pose an immediate threat.
As the investigation continues, Jackson’s family and the community at large are left to grapple with the loss of a man who was striving to better his life and contribute positively to society. The outcome of the investigation and the information released by the Phoenix Police Department will likely play a crucial role in shaping the community’s response to this tragic event.
