BODYCAM: Officer Ambushed While Confronting Another Suspect, Shots Fired, Manhunt

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on Friday released body-cam video from a shooting that took place in Youngtown earlier this month and spawned a multi-city search for the suspect.

It started with a domestic-violence call in the area northwest of 111th and Alabama avenues on July 10. According to MCSO, as the deputy was dealing with that situation, a man later identified as 46-year-old James Crespo III left an apartment behind the deputy and allegedly fired several shots in the deputy's direction. The deputy, who was not hit, turned around and returned fire.

The body-cam video above shows the deputy opening a gate and proceeding down the walkway between two apartment buildings. He was in the middle of what appears to be a calm conversation with the man allegedly involved in the reported domestic-violence incident when shots rang out.

MCSO said Crespo took off. While on the run, he allegedly burglarized a home in the city of El Mirage and stole a vehicle at another home, according to investigators.

MCSO says deputies arrested Crespo in Mesa two days after the shooting. He's facing a variety of charges, including aggravated assault against a peace officer, burglary in the first degree, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft means of transportation, misconduct involving weapons, discharging a firearm in city limits, and a few other charges.

“This is another example, one that we now see too frequently in law enforcement, where deputies and officers face deadly encounters by suspects who without engagement or any form of provocation threaten the lives of our law enforcement officers who prioritize the safety of the community over their own. I’m thankful that we have men and women who are willing to wear the badge to ensure the safety of others at their own risk. The deputy’s quick tactical response likely saved his life and possibly that of other community members,” said Sheriff Paul Penzone.

The investigation has been handed over to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office, which will decide how to proceed.

This body-cam video is one of two MCSO released Friday. The other video is not related to what happened in Youngtown. It showed a deputy shooting an armed woman in Paradise Valley in late June. - ThisIsButter

Police bodycam and crime stories, plus analysis by a former 20-year lawman with real street and investigative experience.

🔗 Links & resources: https://linktr.ee/formerlawman