Officer-Involved Shooting in Chandler Leaves Suspect Dead; Investigation Ongoing

Officer-Involved Shooting in Chandler Leaves Suspect Dead; Investigation Ongoing - Updated

By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published August 26th, 2025

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CHANDLER, AZ — Mesa Police Department Detectives have released new details following a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred just after 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the intersection of Pecos Road and McQueen Road in Chandler.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Enrique Lopez Gress, was fatally shot by Chandler Police Officers after a chaotic series of events that began with a 911 call reporting an attempted home break-in. According to the caller, Enrique was unknown to the homeowner and was allegedly trying to force entry into the residence.

Upon arrival, Chandler Police say Enrique rammed a patrol SUV with his vehicle and fled the scene, initiating a pursuit through the neighborhood. The chase ended when Enrique collided with another driver at the busy intersection of McQueen and Pecos. Officers quickly surrounded his vehicle in an attempt to prevent further flight.

Despite repeated commands to surrender, Enrique exited his vehicle armed with an AK-47 rifle equipped with a drum magazine. He reportedly ran toward a nearby CVS parking lot, endangering passing motorists. Officers deployed less-lethal pepper balls in an effort to subdue him, but Enrique allegedly pointed the rifle toward police, prompting officers to open fire.

Enrique fell to the ground but continued to aim the weapon at officers, leading to a continued exchange until he was no longer considered a threat. Emergency medical personnel from the Chandler Fire Department were dispatched immediately, but Enrique was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mesa Police Detectives, operating under the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team (EVCIRT), are leading the investigation. Forensic analysis confirmed that Enrique fired one round from his AK-47 during the incident. He was also found to be carrying a handgun.

A subsequent search of Enrique’s vehicle revealed a disturbing cache: an additional rifle, another handgun, body armor, a large quantity of ammunition, narcotic drugs, and a significant amount of U.S. currency. Investigators are working to determine the origin and intent behind the weapons and materials.

The case remains under active investigation by Mesa Police and EVCIRT. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding Enrique’s background or possible motives.

Photos provided to iSkyNews.com by Mesa Police Detectives document the scene and recovered items.