Police responded to reports of a man threatening people on Mill Ave with a box cutter. He was found in front of a Chili's restaurant. Castillo would not comply with police demands to drop his weapon. He lunged at officers with the box cutter. A Police negotiator arrived and attempted to talk with the agitated Castillo. He charged an officer who fired his weapon striking him. An eye witness challenges the police account claiming Castillo was 10-15 feet from officers when he was shot. Austin Del Castillo died days later in the hospital.
Victim's Name: Austin Del Castillo
Agency Responsible: Tempe Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 36
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: September 12, 2013
County: Maricopa
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Unknown
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: box cutter
Geography: Urban