Tempe Police Shoot Armed Man in a Stairwell Who Opened Fire on Two Officers

 

Tempe, Arizona — August 14, 2023: A reported car break-in near a busy intersection escalated into a deadly confrontation between Tempe police officers and a 45-year-old man, ending with the suspect fatally shot after exchanging gunfire with officers.

The incident began when Tempe Police received a 9-1-1 call just before sunset regarding a possible burglary in progress in a parking lot near the intersection of Baseline and Rural roads. According to the caller, someone had shattered the window of a parked car and stolen a backpack. Officers quickly responded to the scene to investigate the alleged theft.

Upon arrival, responding officers discovered that the vehicle in question was registered to a man later identified as John Andreyo, 45. Initial reports suggested that Andreyo may have broken into his own vehicle or been involved in suspicious activity surrounding it. The situation took a more serious turn when officers located Andreyo not far from the car, standing inside a stairwell adjacent to a now-closed business, Flo’s Asian Restaurant.

Body-worn camera footage later released by police shows the tense moments that followed. One of the officers ordered Andreyo to show his hands and drop the bag he was carrying. Despite repeated commands, Andreyo refused to comply. At this point, a second officer arrived on the scene, immediately drawing his firearm while the first officer prepared his Taser. Both officers pointed their respective weapons at Andreyo in an effort to gain control of the situation and de-escalate the standoff.

However, the encounter turned violent in an instant. In the video, the sound of a gun being manipulated can be heard. One of the officers shouts, “He’s got a gun! He’s got a gun!” and quickly moves to take cover. Andreyo, now confirmed to be armed, opened fire on the officers. Multiple shots rang out in the stairwell, shattering the fragile standoff into a chaotic firefight.

The second officer, already prepared with his weapon drawn, returned fire in response to the life-threatening danger. Andreyo was struck multiple times by the officer’s rounds and collapsed at the scene. According to Tempe Police, Andreyo fired several shots during the encounter but was unable to continue shooting because his firearm jammed.

Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene. Andreyo was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Despite medical intervention, he was later pronounced dead.

Following the shooting, the scene was secured and the area cordoned off as investigators arrived to begin collecting evidence. Body camera footage from both officers is being reviewed as part of the ongoing internal and criminal investigation into the incident. Authorities also recovered Andreyo’s firearm from the scene, confirming it had malfunctioned during the shooting.

Tempe Police emphasized that the officers involved acted in accordance with their training when confronted with a deadly threat. The officer who discharged his weapon has been placed on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

No officers or bystanders were injured during the exchange of gunfire, though police acknowledged the situation could have resulted in greater harm given the public location and the nature of the confrontation.

The shooting has since drawn public attention, with some community members expressing concern about the rapid escalation of force. Police officials have committed to full transparency, stating that a critical incident review board will assess the event and release further details in the coming weeks.

As the investigation continues, Tempe Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward. They are also reviewing nearby surveillance footage to better understand the moments leading up to the shooting.