The Associated Press
TUCSON — A veteran Tucson police officer fatally shot a man outside a home, authorities said.
Officer Claude Ralls, a 26-year department veteran, was patrolling Thursday afternoon when he saw a vehicle wanted in connection with an armed robbery.
The vehicle was parked in the carport of a home that had been previously been investigated following reports of drug activity, police said.
Ralls proceeded to block the driveway with his marked patrol car and then called for backup.
As he waited for additional officers to arrive, a man walked out of the residence, got into the vehicle and attempted to leave, according to police.
Ralls then drew his gun and told the man repeatedly to stop and get out of the car.
Police said the man did not comply with Ralls’ commands and as he continued to attempt to get away, Ralls fired at him, striking him an unknown number of times.
The man was taken to a hospital where he died shortly thereafter, authorities said.
Police said Ralls has been placed on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated and the victim’s name was being withheld until relatives could be notified.
Following the shooting, officers detained eight people who were inside the home and five of them had outstanding warrants for their arrests.