Matt Laswell : “Tucson man shot by off-duty officer after threatening with knives”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Tucson knife incident
2. Off-duty officer shooting in Tucson

The video footage of an off-duty Tucson police officer shooting a man during a possible mental health crisis has been released as part of an external investigation. Officer Noah Wade, a 5-year veteran, responded to distress calls at an apartment complex. The incident escalated when the man, identified as Matt Laswell, exited his apartment with kitchen knives. A witness claimed Laswell did not advance towards the officer with the knives. Laswell was charged with aggravated assault and taken for a mental health evaluation. The investigation is ongoing, with the final report to be submitted to the Pima County Attorney’s Office as per standard procedure.

The Incident at the Apartment Complex on Skyline Drive

A recently released video footage captured the intense moment when an off-duty Tucson police officer, Officer Noah Wade, shot a man at an apartment complex located in the 4600 block of East Skyline Drive. The incident took place on April 17, and it has sparked controversy and raised questions about the handling of mental health crises by law enforcement officers.

Officer Noah Wade’s Response

Officer Noah Wade, a 5-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, was off-duty when he heard signs of distress and calls for help coming from outside the apartment complex. Reacting swiftly, Wade instructed an acquaintance to call 911 as he went to investigate the situation. Little did he know the gravity of the situation he was about to face.

The 911 Call

Prior to Officer Wade’s arrival, 911 dispatchers had already received a call from a resident of the complex, Matt Laswell, reporting a burglary in progress. Laswell expressed fear for his life, claiming that individuals were attempting to break into his apartment and harm him. He described one suspect wearing a gas mask and hanging from a fan, raising concerns about his mental state.

The Tragic Encounter

As the situation escalated, Officer Wade encountered Laswell outside his apartment, holding two large kitchen knives. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the encounter turned fatal, with Wade firing his weapon and injuring Laswell. A witness at the scene, a woman walking her dog, disputed the claim that Laswell had advanced towards Wade with the knives.

Legal Ramifications

Following the incident, Laswell was taken to a local hospital for treatment and subsequently charged with aggravated assault. A mental health evaluation was also requested to assess his condition. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the final report expected to be submitted to the Pima County Attorney’s Office for review.

Continuing Investigation

The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team, a multi-agency group responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings, is conducting an external investigation into the incident. The release of the video footage has raised important questions about the use of force in situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises.

As the community awaits the outcome of the investigation, concerns about police response to mental health emergencies continue to be a topic of discussion. The need for improved training and resources for law enforcement officers to handle such situations with sensitivity and care is evident.

Ultimately, the incident at the apartment complex on Skyline Drive serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by both law enforcement officers and individuals in crisis. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in a compassionate and effective manner to prevent similar tragedies in the future.