TEMPE, Ariz. — Authorities said a suspected shoplifter has died after being shot by a Tempe police officer Tuesday evening.
Police said the incident happened near a Walmart store near Elliot Road and Priest Drive around 7:30 p.m.
Witnesses described the suspect to police as a Native American man in his mid-20s. When officers arrived on scene, authorities said they found the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Mathew Almanzar, in a canal path nearby.
A physical confrontation occurred between the officer and Almanzar, and that's when Almanzar was shot, police said.
Almanzar was provided medical aid before being transported to the hospital, where he died.
Officers said a weapon, described as a "sharp object," was found near Almanzar's body.
Tempe police said no one else was injured in the incident. in.
The officer is a 20-year veteran of the agency and has been placed on administrative leave.
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