Armed Robber Identified In Tucson Officer Involved Shooting

On March 28, 2018, just after midnight, Tucson Police officers responded to Viva Burrito located at 2175 E. Irvington Road for a report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers were given a description of the suspect, alter identified as Cisco Castillo, and were advised that he fled on foot with a handgun.

Officers began searching for Castillo and located several pieces of evidence that led them to an apartment complex located at 4750 S. Campbell Avenue. As officers entered the complex they located Castillo on the balcony of a second story apartment. As they approached, Castillo brandished what appeared to be a dark colored handgun. Four Tucson Police officers discharged their firearms at Castillo, striking him several times. After being struck by gunfire, Castillo forced entry into an occupied apartment by breaking through a front window. An adult female and her 3-year-old daughter were inside the apartment and quickly locked themselves inside of a back bedroom.

Officers attempted to talk Castillo out of the apartment, but he was refusing to exit. Tucson Police Hostage Negotiators and SWAT officers responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Hostage negotiators spoke with Castillo while officers were speaking with the female victim on the phone. Not knowing what Castillo may do inside, the decision was made to rescue the two the victims immediately. SWAT officers obtained a ladder and climbed to the second story bedroom window where they assisted the mother and her child down to safety.

Negotiators were then able to talk Castillo into walking out of the apartment and he was taken into custody without further incident. Castillo was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

According to the Tucson Police Department, “Detectives from the Tucson Police Department Violent Crimes Section and sergeants with the Office of Professional Standards Unit responded to continue the investigation. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Section are conducting the criminal portion of the investigation. The Office of Professional Standards is conducting a separate and parallel administrative investigation to examine the actions of department personnel. This is standard protocol in all officer-involved shootings. Additionally, representatives from the department’s Critical Incident Review Board (CIRB) will evaluate the response to this incident.”

Detectives determined that the gun Castillo was carrying was an all-black CO2 replica handgun (P-23 Gamo). Detectives were also able to determine that Cisco Castillo was linked to at least seven additional robberies over the past two months.

Castillo is still being treated for his injuries at a local hospital. Upon discharge, he will be booked into the Pima County Jail on numerous felony charges. The exact charges will be released after booking.

The officers who discharged their firearms are as follows:
Officer Anthony Gutierrez – 19-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department
Officer Juan Caquias – 17-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department
Officer Alex Quiroz – 10-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department
Officer Arturo Hernandez – 3-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to call 88-CRIME. You CAN remain anonymous.

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