Phoenix Police Under Scrutiny Following Deadly Bar Fight Involving Officers

One week has passed since a fight outside a downtown Phoenix bar resulted in the death of 22-year-old Rafael Montoya. The incident has prompted an internal investigation by the Phoenix Police Department regarding the actions of officers on the scene.

The altercation occurred in the early hours of March 16, 2024, when two off-duty officers serving as security attempted to intervene. Tragically, Montoya was knocked unconscious during the chaos and later succumbed to severe head trauma after three days in the hospital.

As the investigation continues, police have interviewed witnesses and individuals involved in the fight, but no arrests have yet been made. The ongoing Professional Standards Bureau review is standard practice following incidents like this, typically initiated by citizen complaints or supervisory input; however, details on who instigated this particular review remain unclear.

Phoenix Police are encouraging anyone with video evidence of the incident to reach out to investigators or contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS to provide information anonymously. Silent Witness allows individuals to report crimes while ensuring their identity remains protected.

In cases leading to an arrest or indictment, tips submitted through Silent Witness could warrant rewards of up to $1,000. As this investigation unfolds, authorities continue to seek the public’s assistance. Community involvement remains crucial in addressing violence effectively and ensuring justice for victims.