PHOENIX— Philip Mitchell Brailsford was found not guilty of Second Degree Murder, nor a lesser charge, in relation to the fatal shooting of a suspect during a January 2016 incident at a Mesa hotel.

“This case did not and does not represent the vast number of honorable men and women who wear the uniform of law enforcement in Maricopa County. Should similar facts as readily evident as portrayed in the video ever present themselves again, we will do our job and place the matter before a jury.” said Maricopa County Bill Montgomery.

On January 18, 2016, Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a subject pointing a rifle outside the 5th floor window of the La Quinta Inn & Suites on East Superstition Springs Boulevard. Officers went to the 5th floor and took positions outside room #502. Multiple verbal commands were issued for the occupants to exit the room. A female and a male subject, later identified as Daniel Shaver, exited the room and were ordered to get on the floor in the hallway. After the two complied with the commands, the female was instructed to crawl toward the officers and was taken into custody without incident.

Daniel Shaver was then ordered to crawl towards the officers. As he moved toward the officers on his hands and knees, Shaver made a motion with his right hand toward his waistline. Officer Brailsford then fired five shots, striking Shaver throughout his body and killing him.