Police were called around 8 a.m. following reports of a burglary. Police said the owner of the home had an order of protection against the man. John Wussler had lived at the house previously and had returned to gather some property, police said. When police arrived, he fled the backyard by jumping the fence. An officer chased him on foot through a nearby apartment complex, where a fight began. As the officer drew a Taser, the suspect allegedly removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the officer, who exchanged weapons and shot and killed him.
Victim's Name: John Wussler
Agency Responsible: Phoenix Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 58
Race: Native American
Date of Death: March 31, 2018
County: Maricopa
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Foot
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 4255
Geography: Suburban