Officer-Involved Shooting at Tohono Chul Park Under Investigation in Tucson, Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. — April 30, 2025 — A tranquil setting turned into the scene of a tragic and unsettling event Monday evening, as an officer-involved shooting at Tohono Chul Park, just north of Tucson near Oro Valley, prompted an intensive investigation now being led by the Pima County Regional Critical Incident Team. The team, comprised of multiple law enforcement agencies, is working to piece together the events that led to the fatal confrontation.
According to Oro Valley Police, officers responded to reports of gunfire in or near the park shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Monday. As law enforcement searched the area, they encountered an armed male subject. A confrontation followed, culminating in an officer discharging their weapon. Despite efforts by officers and responding fire personnel to render first aid, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
As of Wednesday, the identity of the deceased individual has not been released, and authorities have withheld the name of the officer involved in the shooting. Questions remain about what led to the encounter, what type of weapon the suspect may have possessed, and whether he had discharged it prior to officers arriving. No further details have been provided by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is overseeing the investigation.
Community Shocked by Violence in a Beloved Sanctuary
For many, the shooting represents a jarring and heartbreaking disruption to the peace typically found at Tohono Chul, a desert garden and nature preserve beloved by locals and tourists alike.
“It makes me scared because I live in this neighborhood,” said Alexandra, a nearby resident who, like others in the community, expressed concern about safety and surprise at the violent turn of events.
Carroll Hudenko, a frequent visitor to the park, was similarly shaken. “It’s such a tragedy. You hear about these things all the time, but you never expect them to happen in a place as peaceful and beautiful as this,” she said. “It’s very sad to hear.”
Sandy Nesbit, another regular at the park, echoed those sentiments. “What a horrible correspondence to have a shooting at such a beautiful place. It’s a place for honoring the Tohono Chul, a place for honoring the Earth,” she said, reflecting on the sacred significance of the space and the shock of violence occurring there.
Plans Disrupted, Emotions High
With the park closed to the public during the investigation, several visitors shared their disappointment and understanding.
“We were going to have lunch at the Garden Café,” said Alexandra. Hudenko added, “We were all set for a beautiful garden tour with my husband and brother, who are visiting from out of town.”
While frustrated by the disruption, many acknowledged that law enforcement must be given the space to conduct a thorough investigation. “I don’t think we can prevent these things from happening, sadly,” said Hudenko. “But I hope we can learn from them.”
Ongoing Investigation
Spokesperson Darren Wright of the Oro Valley Police Department addressed the media late Monday night. “Officers on scene rendered first aid until relieved by fire personnel. He died at the scene,” Wright confirmed. He added that no additional injuries were reported among law enforcement or bystanders.
Detectives with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department were seen canvassing the area throughout Tuesday, though they have not commented on whether any shots were fired by the suspect prior to the confrontation or if any surveillance footage has been recovered.
For now, Tohono Chul Park remains closed, and residents await further information. The shooting has prompted widespread concern in the community and once again highlighted the complex and often painful realities surrounding officer-involved incidents.
As the investigation continues, officials have asked the public to remain patient. Updates will be provided once more facts are confirmed.