Christian Rosas Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the 19-year-old individual who lost his life in an officer-involved incident in Goodyear as Christian Rosas, according to officials from the Peoria Police Department, which is handling the investigation.
The event took place late on October 18, when Goodyear police officers received an alert regarding a potentially stolen vehicle in the area of Dysart Road and Interstate 10. Responding officers located the vehicle shortly before 11 p.m., as it entered a parking lot near the southwest corner of Dysart Road and Van Buren Street.
According to an official statement released by Peoria police on October 20, officers began to approach the vehicle to investigate further. However, the suspect, later identified as Rosas, left the vehicle and ran north on foot. Officers began to pursue him as part of their response to the situation.
During the chase, authorities said that as Rosas neared a roadway, he reportedly produced a firearm. In response, several Goodyear officers discharged their service weapons. Peoria Police confirmed that three officers fired during the encounter. Each of the officers involved had their body-worn cameras activated, in compliance with departmental policy, and those recordings will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
After the shooting, officers on scene provided medical aid to Rosas while awaiting emergency medical personnel. Despite their efforts, he did not survive his injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the location. A handgun was recovered near him, according to investigators.
Authorities confirmed that none of the Goodyear officers were injured during the incident. The officers involved have since been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure while the investigation is ongoing.
The Peoria Police Department was assigned to handle the investigation to ensure transparency and independence. They are working to determine the exact sequence of events, including what led to the confrontation and whether the use of force was justified under the circumstances. Investigators are expected to analyze body-camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence collected from the scene to provide a full account of what occurred.
Officials have not released the names of the officers involved, in accordance with department policy and pending further review. Meanwhile, Goodyear Police have expressed their condolences to everyone affected by the event and emphasized their commitment to cooperating fully with Peoria detectives to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
The area surrounding the parking lot and roadway was temporarily closed for several hours as law enforcement conducted an on-site examination and gathered evidence. Patrol units and crime scene technicians documented the location extensively before the area was reopened to the public.
Community members have been encouraged to allow the investigative process to proceed while authorities review the evidence. Officials also reminded the public that incidents involving the use of force undergo multiple levels of review, including evaluation by internal investigators and, when necessary, county prosecutors.
Authorities have not released additional details about the original stolen vehicle alert that prompted the police response or whether anyone else may have been involved in the situation.
The Peoria Police Department has requested that anyone who may have witnessed the event or captured it on video contact their detectives to assist with the ongoing inquiry. They can be reached at (623) 773-8311, and anonymous tips may be provided through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377).
The investigation remains open, with officials continuing to piece together the events leading up to the confrontation. Once completed, findings from the case are expected to be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for further review and recommendations.
This incident marks one of several recent officer-involved investigations being handled by independent law enforcement agencies to maintain transparency and public trust in the review process.
