A man who threatened Tempe police officers with a box cutter was shot and severely wounded early Thursday morning.
Just one block north of Arizona State University Tempe campus, streets were blocked off Thursday morning following an incident in front of a Chili’s restaurant. Just after 8 a.m., Tempe police reportedly received numerous calls about an individual who was threatening people with a box cutter.
The man, who was later identified as 36-year-old Austin Del Castillo, was approached by officers after they spotted him in front of the restaurant.
"They surrounded the guy in a triangle and with their firearms drawn and it looked like he was pulling a box cutter or something out of his pocket," witness Jeffrey Hollingsworth told KPHO.
One of the officers, a trained negotiator, stepped forward to try and reason with Del Castillo. He refused all commands made by the officer to drop his weapon.
Del Castillo ultimately charged at the officer, wielding the box cutter.
The officer then shot him.
Del Castillo was then brought to a nearby hospital with injuries that are believed to be life-threatening, according to AZ Family.
The roads surrounding the site of the incident remained closed until well into Thursday afternoon as police carried out their investigation.
As per department policy, the police officer that shot Del Castillo has been placed on administrative leave. The officer has been serving with the Tempe Police Department for 12 years.