In the early morning hours of May 25, 2020, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) trooper was involved in a shooting on the Loop 101 near Tatum Boulevard. The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Phoenix Police Department, while an internal investigation was conducted by AZDPS’ Internal Affairs.

Updated on Thursday, July 16, 2020

The Department is making the following information available:

1) Phoenix Police Department’s Incident Report on Trooper-Involved Shooting 2) Trooper Cervantes’ Internal Affairs Report #2012-160  

Updated on Tuesday, July 14, 2020

The AZDPS’ Internal Affairs investigation is nearing completion. It was previously reported in error as being complete.

Updated on Monday, July 13, 2020

The Department has received numerous requests for information regarding Trooper George Cervantes, consequently the Department is making the following information available:

1) 911 call from a passing motorist (trooper-involved shooting May 25, 2020)

2)  DPS radio transmissions (trooper-involved shooting May 25, 2020)

3) The dispatch log (trooper-involved shooting May 25, 2020)

4) Trooper Cervantes' Internal Affairs history report

To further assist in terminology found within the IA history report, the following terms have been defined:

Sustained-Sufficient facts exist to sustain a Law Enforcement Merit System Council (LEMSC) Rule violation

Not Sustained-The Investigation produced information insufficient to prove or disprove a LEMSC Rule violation.

Exonerated-The employee’s actions were reviewed and found to be justified, lawful, and proper.

Unfounded-The employee did not commit the alleged act.

End of Update

July 8, 2020

In the early morning hours of May 25, 2020, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) trooper was involved in a shooting on the Loop 101 near Tatum Boulevard. The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Phoenix Police Department, while an internal investigation was conducted by AZDPS’ Internal Affairs. Both investigations have now concluded, and the Phoenix Police Department has given their investigation to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) for review.

From the beginning, the Department stated the name of the trooper involved would be released at the conclusion of these investigations.

The Department is now able to identify the trooper as George Cervantes, a 15-year DPS veteran. Cervantes remains on administrative leave.

The Department is also working expeditiously to provide available public records requested by the media.