MESA, AZ — One person is dead and two Scottsdale officers were injured during a police shooting in Mesa late Monday morning.
The incident occurred in a restaurant parking lot near Horne and Broadway Road a short time before noon.
VIDEO: Scottsdale PD provides update on Monday's shooting:
Scottsdale Police Department officials say the shooting was in connection to an investigation involving two men suspected of a felony crime. ABC15 learned in court on Tuesday that the crime in question was an armed robbery weeks prior.
On Monday morning, detectives caught up with a suspect vehicle that was occupied by three men — two suspects and one victim. While observing the vehicle, Scottsdale officers saw one of the suspects exit the vehicle and walk into the restaurant.
At that time, officials say detectives approached the vehicle and rescued the victim who was inside the vehicle. That's when police fired their weapons, striking the second suspect who was also still inside the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene and has been identified as Rene Calderon.
Scottsdale PD has not said whether Calderon had a weapon or attempted to threaten the officers before they shot him. However, in court Tuesday, prosecutors told the judge that Calderon was in full body armor and reportedly shot at officers with an AK-47.
The suspect who locked himself in the restaurant and eventually exited after negotiations with law enforcement was taken into custody without incident. He was later identified as Wyatt Edge of Texas.
While speaking to the judge in court, prosecutors said Edge had two firearms with him while he was in the restaurant.
Edge’s defense attorney said he was involved in the whole ordeal to help a friend, but unsure what they were doing. The defense added he didn’t understand the Spanish interactions with Calderon and the victim.
He has been charged with kidnapping.
The victim who was rescued was not injured.
Scottsdale PD officials say more than one officer fired their weapon but they are still investigating exactly how many.
The two officers who were injured were not shot by Calderon. Officials have not clarified how they received their injuries.
The officers and detectives involved have been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard practice.
