The Phoenix Police Department on Thursday released body-camera footage of the shooting of Officer Denise Bruce-Jones by Nicholas Cowan. The video includes body-camera footage from Bruce-Jones and another officer and the shoot out that ensued before Cowan fled the scene.
The video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised.
This incident occurred in the area of Cave Creek and Beardsley Road when two officers responded to a gas station to speak with a woman who called the police about her suicidal boyfriend, the 35-year-old male suspect. The woman told the officers she came to the gas station to make a report because she was afraid there would be a violent confrontation between the suspect and police if they came to where the couple was staying.
The two officers were at the gas station interviewing the girlfriend when the suspect arrived in a light blue sedan at about 10:35 a.m. The female officer started to approach the suspect’s vehicle when he raised a gun and shot her, causing her to fall to the ground. The male officer took cover and returned fire. The suspect then started shooting at the male officer, missing him and striking a vehicle and the building behind him.
The suspect took off from the scene, abandoned his vehicle, and called an associate to pick him up. He eluded police for the next 3 days, until we received a community tip that led us to a property in Scottsdale, near 66th Street and Osborne Road. The suspect was ultimately arrested after Detectives from the tactical support bureau surrounded the location and negotiated with him for several hours. They utilized less-lethal tactics, including tear gas, to encourage a surrender and avoid an armed confrontation.
The suspect was transported to the hospital for injuries he suffered during the original shootout at Cave Creek and Beardsley Roads.
After being released from the hospital, the suspect was booked into jail for two counts of attempted murder, among other charges.
The female officer who was injured in this shooting has been with the department for 23 years and is assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct. She remains under medical care.
The first officer involved in this shooting has been with the department for 23 years and is assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct.
The male officer involved in this shooting has been with the department for 16 years and is assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct.