An Arizona man was fatally shot by police for allegedly throwing rocks at his vehicle, but family members said the man had a history of mental health issues and questioned why officers did not use a non-lethal method.
In Phoenix, Ali Osman was killed around 6: 45 p.m. Saturday. Two patrol units were driving through the intersection of 19th Avenue and Tuckey Lane when they were struck by unknown items causing damage, a police news release states.
One of the patrol units went to investigate and saw a man throwing rocks towards his patrol car, according to the release.
The man was told to stop, but he refused, according to the police.
The officer involved in shooting struck the man, police said.
Osman, 34, who was Somalian, died at the hospital from his injuries.
Attorney Quacy Smith said at a news conference Tuesday that he believes police were responding to an unrelated incident when Osman started throwing rocks. He said Osman had dealt with mental health challenges but did not elaborate.
Rocks, Smith said. These rocks are no bigger than my 4 year-old son throws over the backyard to the neighbor's house. The attorney said he is a former police officer and could not fathom a set of circumstances described to us that would warrant a young black man being shot down by police in the streets of our city for throwing rocks. Smith said that a citizen showed a person who identified themselves as having a background in crisis intervention telling police that they could speak with Osman to help de-escalate the situation.
Smith told reporters that Osman was shot by an officer as he bent down to pick up another rock.
The officers involved in the shooting are still being investigated, according to a spokesman for the Phoenix police department.
The city of Phoenix Police Department is committed to our transparency policy, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement Wednesday. Within 14 days of the incident, a Critical Incident Briefing Video will be released to the public that will provide facts of the case. All body worn cameras will be released. Osman's family got emotional at the news conference, as they described him as a good person who was always willing to help.
I can't believe Ali's gone, his older sister said. Ali is not coming back. My life is done. Ali is like my son. His father said Osman was a good man and took care of everyone. Smith and the family said they are demanding transparency from the police about what happened.