Newly released body camera footage, surveillance video, and 911 recordings have provided a detailed look at the events leading up to a fatal officer-involved shooting in Queen Creek, Arizona. The incident, which occurred on February 10, 2026, involved 23-year-old Gaven Johnson, who authorities said was armed, wanted on multiple warrants, and suspected of being involved in a stolen vehicle and hit-and-run crash before the deadly confrontation.
The videos and emergency calls document a tense two-hour search through a residential neighborhood, frightened homeowners calling 911, repeated police commands for the suspect to surrender, and the final moments before officers opened fire after reporting that Johnson pointed a handgun at them.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Police Shooting
Hit-and-Run Crash Sparks Initial Response
According to investigators, the incident began shortly after 5 p.m. on February 10 when the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a hit-and-run collision involving a stolen vehicle near Ocotillo and Gantzel roads.
Authorities said Johnson was driving the stolen vehicle when it crashed into a ditch. After the crash, he allegedly fled the scene by entering another vehicle and traveling toward Queen Creek.
During dispatch communications, deputies informed Queen Creek police officers that the suspect was believed to be armed and dangerous. Officers were also told the vehicle involved had been reported stolen out of Maricopa County.
Suspect Had Outstanding Warrants
Police later revealed that Johnson had multiple active warrants related to probation violations.
Authorities also said he had a criminal history involving violent offenses and had previously made statements about wanting to “shoot it out with the cops,” information that officers were aware of while attempting to locate him.
Officers Locate Johnson in Queen Creek Neighborhood
Suspect Runs Into Residential Area
Around 5:22 p.m., Queen Creek police officers spotted a man matching Johnson’s description walking west on Queen Creek Road.
When officers attempted to make contact, Johnson ran away and entered the Ironwood Crossing neighborhood near Meridian and Queen Creek roads.
Investigators said he jumped fences and moved through multiple residential backyards while trying to avoid capture.
Shelter-in-Place Issued
Because an armed suspect was believed to be hiding inside the neighborhood, police established a perimeter around the area.
Residents were instructed to remain inside their homes while officers, K-9 teams, and tactical personnel searched property after property.
The operation continued for nearly two hours before officers finally located Johnson.
Frightened Homeowners Called 911
Residents Reported a Stranger in Their Backyards
The newly released 911 recordings captured the fear experienced by homeowners during the search.
One caller reported:
Another resident told dispatchers:
The emergency calls illustrated how Johnson allegedly moved between homes while attempting to evade officers.
Surveillance Cameras Help Officers Track the Suspect
Home Security Video Shows Johnson Armed
During the search, one homeowner provided officers with footage from a backyard security camera.
According to police, the surveillance video showed Johnson carrying a handgun while climbing through residential yards.
Body camera footage shows officers reviewing the video before continuing the search.
Using a loudspeaker, officers repeatedly instructed Johnson to surrender peacefully.
One officer can be heard saying:
Officers Discover Johnson Hidden Under a Tarp
K-9 Unit Assists Search
Just after 7 p.m., officers entered the backyard of a home on West Joshua Tree Avenue with assistance from a police K-9.
Investigators said officers initially believed a large tarp in the yard was covering a dog.
Moments later, they realized someone was hiding beneath it.
One officer can be heard asking on body camera footage:
Another officer immediately shouted:
Officers Say Johnson Was Holding a Gun
Police said the K-9 alerted them to Johnson’s location beneath the tarp.
As Johnson moved, officers reported seeing a handgun in his hand.
Authorities stated that Johnson then pointed the firearm toward officers, prompting multiple officers to open fire.
The exchange lasted only seconds.
Johnson was struck and died at the scene.
Two Officers Were Injured During the Gunfire
Queen Creek police said Johnson fired his weapon during the confrontation.
Two officers suffered injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Authorities reported that neither officer’s injuries were life-threatening, and both survived the incident.
The officers received medical treatment following the shooting.
Critical Incident Investigation
Independent Review Conducted
As is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting, the incident was investigated by an independent critical incident team.
Investigators reviewed body camera footage, surveillance video, dispatch recordings, witness statements, physical evidence, and forensic findings to determine the sequence of events.
Officials later released portions of the body camera footage, neighborhood surveillance video, and 911 recordings in an effort to provide transparency about the incident.
What the Released Videos Show
Detailed Account of the Search
The released materials document nearly every stage of the encounter, including:
- Dispatchers receiving reports about the stolen vehicle and armed suspect.
- Officers locating Johnson in Queen Creek.
- Residents calling 911 after seeing him in their yards.
- Home security footage showing Johnson carrying a handgun.
- Officers establishing a neighborhood perimeter.
- Repeated commands ordering Johnson to surrender.
- The K-9 search leading officers to the backyard.
- Johnson hiding beneath a tarp.
- Officers reporting that he pointed a handgun toward them before they fired.
Community Impact
The incident caused significant concern among residents of the normally quiet Ironwood Crossing neighborhood.
Many homeowners remained inside for hours during the shelter-in-place order while heavily armed officers searched between homes.
The release of the videos and emergency recordings has provided the public with additional context regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and the decisions officers made during the rapidly evolving encounter.
Current Status of the Case
Gaven Johnson, 23, died at the scene following the officer-involved shooting on February 10, 2026.
Authorities maintain that Johnson was armed throughout the incident and that officers fired after he allegedly pointed a handgun at them during the final confrontation.
The case has undergone review under Arizona’s standard procedures for officer-involved shootings, while the publicly released body camera footage and 911 recordings serve as part of the official account of the events.
