Phoenix Police Release Bodycam Footage of Fatal Shooting

Suspect's gun went off during struggle with officer, killing him and injuring the officer

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Phoenix Police Department released body-camera footage showing the moments a suspect's gun went off as an officer tackled him last month, killing the suspect and wounding the officer. The incident began when officers responded to a 911 call about an aggravated assault, and the suspect, Dylan Rockford Fohrenkam, was located and pursued before being tackled by an officer. During the struggle, Fohrenkam's gun discharged, striking both him and the officer.

Why it matters

The release of the bodycam footage provides transparency around a fatal police shooting incident, which is an important issue for public trust and accountability. The case also highlights the risks officers face when confronting armed suspects and the potential for tragic outcomes when a suspect's weapon is discharged during an encounter.

The details

According to police, the incident began around 8:15 p.m. on February 23 when officers responded to a 911 call about an aggravated assault. Witnesses directed officers to Fohrenkam, who was leaving the area on a bicycle. Officers followed him in their vehicles and Fohrenkam abandoned his bike and ran toward a house. One officer fired a 40mm less-lethal round at him, but it had no effect. A second officer then tackled Fohrenkam from behind, and during the struggle, Fohrenkam's gun went off, striking him and the officer.

  • The incident occurred on February 23, 2026 around 8:15 p.m.
  • The body-camera footage was released by the Phoenix Police Department on March 12, 2026

The players

Dylan Rockford Fohrenkam

A 34-year-old suspect who was killed when his gun went off during a struggle with a Phoenix police officer.

Phoenix Police Department

The law enforcement agency that released the body-camera footage of the fatal shooting incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As the officer and man fell forward to the ground, the man's gun went off, striking the man and the officer.”

— Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez, Phoenix Police Department (ktar.com)

“He's got a gun. Left hand under his body. I got his left elbow. I don't know where the gun is at.”

— Police Officer (ktar.com)

“I don't know if he hit him or hit me, too, but I felt it on my left shoulder.”

— Police Officer (ktar.com)

What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department is conducting an administrative investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the inherent dangers officers face when confronting armed suspects, and the potential for tragic outcomes when a suspect's weapon is discharged during an encounter. The release of the bodycam footage provides transparency around the incident, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement.