Officer shoots accused thief on mobility scooter 9 times, killing him, Arizona cops say

A Tucson, Arizona, police officer has been fired after shooting a man on a mobility scooter nine times from behind, killing him, police said.

The man had been accused of stealing a toolbox and brandishing a knife.

Police Chief Chris Magnus said in a news release that he was “deeply troubled” by the officer’s actions, which violated department policies and training. The officer, who was off duty and working as a security guard, was a four-year veteran of the department.

Any criminal charges are pending while the Pima County Attorney’s Office reviews the case, according to the release.

Richard Lee Richards, 61, died in the shooting shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, police said in the release.

Richards, who used a mobility scooter, reportedly stole a toolbox from a Walmart store and brandished a knife when an employee asked to see his receipt, police said.

The officer followed Richards across the parking lot.

“If you want me to put down the knife, you’re going to have to shoot me,” he told the officer while continuing to drive his scooter away, the employee told police.

A second Tucson officer arrived as Richards approached a nearby Lowe’s store, police said. The officers told Richards not to enter the store, then the first officer opened fire from behind, hitting him nine times.

Bodycam video shown by police at a press conference Tuesday, Nov. 30, shows Richards topple from his mobility scooter to the pavement. He was later pronounced dead.

The second officer drew her weapon but did not fire, The Arizona Republic reported..

“The actions of the officer involved in last night’s deadly shooting are unconscionable and indefensible,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said in a statement, Arizona’s Family reported. “It is moments like this that test our resolve to ensure justice and accountability.”

Attorney Mike Storie, representing the officer, told The Arizona Republic he “had no non-lethal options” to prevent Richards from entering the second store.

“He did have a Taser, but in his mind, he couldn’t use it because he didn’t feel he had the proper spread to deploy it, with the wheelchair between him and Richards,” Storie told the publication.

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement on Twitter that the agency “holds sacred the impartial review of the facts of every incident referred to us.” She said her office would not comment further until it completes its review.

This story was originally published December 1, 2021 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Officer shoots accused thief on mobility scooter 9 times, killing him, Arizona cops say."