Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Rocky Joe Ellis
Gender : Male
Age : 47
Race : Unknown
Date : 08/20/2025
Location : 3700 block of East McDowell Road
City : Phoenix
County : Maricopa
State : Arizona
Agency : Phoenix Police Department
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during armed confrontation
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 08/20/2025, Phoenix police responded to reports of a man armed with a hatchet near the 3700 block of East McDowell Road. The man was identified as 47-year-old Rocky Joe Ellis. Officers attempted to use less-lethal methods to subdue him, including deployment of a less-lethal round, but Ellis advanced toward police with the hatchet in hand. During the confrontation, at least one officer opened fire, striking Ellis. He was transported to a hospital where he died.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/08/20/police-identify-hatchet-wielding-suspect-who-died-after-being-shot-by-officer
https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/officer-involved-shooting-phoenix-hatchet/75-
https://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/phoenix-police-shoot-hatchet-armed-man
