We have an update on yesterday’s officer-involved shooting.  

Police were called to a home in the city’s Desert Passage neighborhood just before 8 a.m. for a person threatening self-harm, family members told InMaricopa.  

Russell Avila, 39, was shot three times by at least one Maricopa police officer. He was taken to Dignity Chandler hospital for surgery. According to Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Avila remains in stable condition.  

“The Pinal Regional Special Investigations Unit has taken over the Maricopa Police Department’s officer-involved shooting incident, per standard procedure,” said PCSO spokesman J.D. Fitzgerald. “The sole suspect remains hospitalized in stable condition and is in police custody.” 

Maricopa police yesterday afternoon were awaiting a warrant to further canvass the house on Portis Drive. Fitzgerald said criminal charges are pending until the investigation is complete. No timetable was offered. 

According to Avila’s mother, Liane Avila, Russell was having a panic attack, upset that he had lost a job. Yesterday morning, he was inconsolable and threatening self-harm with a knife. She called 911 for help.  

In response, according to the mom, four officers came into the house, one of them carrying a rifle, and told Russell to drop the knife before shooting him three times.  

“Four [officers] came in and two seconds later, boom boom boom,” said Avila. “He wasn’t attacking anyone. He was upset and scared.” 

It wasn’t clear where Avila was shot, but Liane said he was standing when the officers opened fire. She said because he was in police custody in surgery, she wasn’t able to get updates on his condition.