WATCH: Shocking Bodycam Footage Unveils January Police Shooting

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has released footage of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 29 in Maricopa. The incident stems from a call concerning a mental health crisis involving Russell Avila, who was subsequently injured by police. He has been recovering but is facing ongoing health challenges, as reported by a family member.

The released video footage, edited and made public this afternoon, shows Avila holding two knives alongside his father at a doorway within their residence. Officers arrived at the scene at 7:51 a.m. An officer can be heard on a radio stating, “Pull up a channel, we’re making entry; there is yelling in the house.” As they entered, several officers commanded Avila to raise his hands.

Avila’s agitated demeanor is evident in the video; he responds with a grunt while officers raised their weapons. Although the quality of the body-worn camera footage obscures specific actions, a graphic on-screen notes that Avila was “in possession of two knives and holding them in a threatening manner.”

The tension escalated as Avila and his father retreated into a bedroom. Additional graphics indicated that Avila remained armed and made movements suggestive of following his father while maintaining a threatening posture. Moments later, officers discharged their weapons, with the sound of three or four gunshots audible. The editing obscures whether the final sound constitutes one or two separate shots.

After the shooting, Avila was heard moaning from the bedroom, where officers found him on the ground. They promptly evacuated his father from the scene. As the video concluded, the investigation remained ongoing, yet the edited footage appears aimed at rationalizing the actions taken by law enforcement.

Attempts to reach Russell Avila’s parents, Rusty and Liane Avila, for comment were unsuccessful.