The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.
This briefing summarizes information obtained during the investigation to date and provides an overview of the officer-involved shooting. The incident is being investigated by the Mesa Police Department as part of the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team (EVCIRT) and is being reviewed by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, a standard practice to ensure accountability.
The incident began Tuesday afternoon when QCPD responded to an agency assist request from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). PCSO initially responded to a reported hit and run involving a stolen vehicle. The driver then fled the scene in a separate vehicle and was believed to be headed toward Queen Creek.
At approximately 5:20 p.m., QCPD officers observed an individual walking westbound on Queen Creek Road near the area of the hit and run. Officers attempted to make contact with the individual, who then fled on foot and jumped into a residential backyard.
As officers searched the area, 911 operators began receiving calls from residents in the Ironwood Crossing neighborhood, near Spine Tree Avenue and Joshua Tree Avenue, reporting a male subject moving through backyards and attempting to make contact with them. QCPD and PCSO worked together to secure the immediate area and established a containment perimeter with assistance from the PCSO helicopter.
Officers learned that the individual, later identified as 23-year-old Gaven Johnson, had active felony warrants for probation violations and prior violent offenses. Officers were also advised that Johnson had reportedly threatened to “shoot it out with the cops”. During this time, a resident shared home camera footage with an officer that appeared to show Johnson armed with a handgun.
Due to his criminal history and confirmation that he was armed, officers issued shelter in place announcements over patrol vehicle PA systems and sent a RAVE emergency alert to residents in the immediate area. Officers also made announcements advising Johnson that he was under arrest and instructing him to come out with his hands up and empty. As the search continued, QCPD’s Special Assignments Unit (SAU) and patrol K9 team responded to assist.
Just after 7 p.m., officers searching a backyard in the 1300 block of west Joshua Tree Avenue located what they initially believed was a dog underneath a tarp or mat-like object. After shining a light on the object, officers identified what appeared to be Johnson hiding beneath it.
Officers issued multiple verbal commands for Johnson to show his hands, but he did not comply. The K9 alerted to his presence and moved underneath the tarp or mat-like object. At the same time, officers observed Johnson moving his arm while holding a handgun. This is when the officer-involved shooting occurred.
Officers detained Johnson and recovered a loaded handgun. Preliminary information indicates Johnson discharged his weapon. Investigators recovered a spent cartridge casing and a copper jacket fragment at the scene.
One QCPD officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he was later released. Two additional officers sustained injuries and were treated at the scene. The K9 was not injured during the incident. No PCSO deputies were injured and no deputies discharged their weapons during the incident.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:27 p.m.
This officer-involved shooting is being investigated by the Mesa Police Department as part of the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team (EVCIRT). This briefing summarizes information obtained during the investigation to date and provides an overview of the officer-involved shooting. The investigation is being reviewed by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office. No determinations have been made at this time.
WARNING: The images and language in the video may be graphic. Viewer discretion is advised QCPD Critical Incident Briefings.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Lamis. Police Public Information Officer
QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov