Gerald Philpot Jr. dies in fatal Chandler shooting

Gerald Philpot Jr. dies in fatal Chandler shooting

Fatal Chandler shooting death of Gerald Philpot Jr. – Obituary

Gerald Philpot Jr., 41, was shot and killed by police officers in Chandler on New Year’s Day during a traffic stop that unfolded with his young daughter inside the vehicle, according to authorities.

Chandler police reported that the incident occurred Thursday evening after officers encountered Philpot, who had allegedly contacted emergency dispatch himself. Officials said he warned a 911 operator that he intended to harm his child while driving with her in the car, prompting an immediate police response.

When officers located and stopped the vehicle, two Chandler police officers discharged their weapons, striking Philpot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later said a knife was recovered from inside the vehicle.

The child was not injured during the encounter and was safely reunited with her mother shortly afterward, police confirmed.

The Mesa Police Department has taken over the investigation into the officers’ actions, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, to determine the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force.