Angel Benitez

Deadly force

Around 10 a.m., Mesa officers found Angel Benitez slumped over the wheel of a car in the parking lot of Panda Express. The other he was in was reported stolen, and when officers began giving commands, Benitez drove off. A police helicopter found Benitez in a other in a covered parking spot. Police allege Benitez was shot 28 times and killed when he reached towards his waist and police perceived a threat. Witnesses stated Benitez had his hands up and was complying with officer demands. Benitez was unarmed. A $15 million wrongful death lawsuit was filed.