INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Police shot and killed a 42-year-old man Sunday night after he fired at officers inside a Mesa home.
Joel Castaneda was pronounced dead at the home near 8th Avenue and Hobson, according to a release from the Mesa Police Department.
No officers were injured.
Mesa officers were sent at about 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24 after receiving information about a residential burglary at Hobson and Broadway Road. The victim told police her ex-boyfriend, Castaneda, broke into her house and then possibly went to a friend’s house, the release stated.
Officers went to the home and contacted its resident who, police said, told them they knew Castaneda but were unsure if he was inside.
“The homeowner led officers to a room where Castaneda sometimes stays, and Castaneda immediately displayed a handgun and began firing at officers,” the release stated.
“One officer returned fire, striking Castaneda. Officers retreated with the homeowner and called Mesa SWAT to assist in what was now considered a barricade.”
SWAT officers determined Castaneda was dead.
Mesa police said Monday morning that the investigation is still in the preliminary stages. Officers and witnesses need to be interviewed, officials said, adding there are no outstanding suspects.