The Tucson Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday on Tucson’s West Side. The dead suspect was identified as 39-year-old Mark Powell. The officer involved in yesterday’s shooting was Officer Jeffrey Stover, a 23-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department.
Tuesday April 10th, just before 9:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Ace Cash Express (850 E. Ft. Lowell Road) for a report of an armed robbery. While responding to the scene, officers received information that the suspect was still inside of the business and was possibly holding a female employee hostage.
Shortly after arriving on scene, Powell exited the front door with an undisclosed amount of money taken from the business. Officers began giving commands to Powell, but he refused to cooperate. During the interaction, Powell pulled out a handgun and Officer Stover discharged his firearm, striking Powell. Officers immediately began rendering aid utilizing their individual first-aid kits. Tucson Fire personnel then transported Powell to a local area hospital where he later died from his injuries.
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.