The first officer-involved shooting in the Valley in 2020 occurred in Phoenix when a bicyclist violating traffic laws fled from and then shot at police.

The incident happened before 9 p.m. Monday near 1st Avenue and Jefferson Street.

Phoenix police said officers were in the area of 1st Avenue and Buckeye Road when they saw a man riding a bicycle in violation of multiple traffic offenses. Police tried to stop the man, but he fled towards the railroad tracks near 1st and Jefferson.

Once there, an officer exited his vehicle and ran after the bicyclist. Upon catching up, a fight ensued. During the fight, the officer noticed a firearm in the man’s possession. They then struggled over control while the officer gave commands for the man to drop it.

Another officer arrived and struck the man in order to gain compliance, police said. However, the man then fired his firearm, striking one of the officer’s portable radio and vest. Both officers then shot Xavier Jaime Rovie, 28, who was injured. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police continue to investigate the incident, which was the first officer-involved shooting in the Valley in 2020. Phoenix police were involved in 15 in 2019, down from 44 in 2018.