UPDATE 3 – Lake Havasu PD: OIS Investigation

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Lake Havasu City | Police Report | Press Release

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July 3, 2024

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UPDATE 3:

RELEASE OF BODY-WORN CAMERA FOOTAGE from the officer-involved shooting (OIS) incident that occurred in Lake Havasu City, AZ on June 10, 2024, can be viewed at the link below.

WARNING: This video contains graphic images and offensive language that may be disturbing to some viewers. Discretion is advised.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0tn5xpd1lkue7lh4l3m71/LHCPD-OIS-BWC.MOV?rlkey=h224ehlwoowhmwde1khzlyy7q&dl=0

The Lake Havasu City Police Officer involved in the shooting, Officer Michael Thornhill, returned to duty on July 1, 2024.

The suspect involved in the incident – Justin James Allen, 37 of Lake Havasu City – is reportedly in stable condition at a hospital in Phoenix, AZ.

The Phoenix Police Department arrested him on the felony warrant for aggravated assault on a police officer issued by the Bullhead City Police Department.

He is currently in the Phoenix Police Department’s custody, although remains at the hospital.

Please see the previous press releases below for additional information.

From: Emily Fromelt <efromelt@bullheadcityaz.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2024 3:47 PM
Subject: UPDATE 2 – OIS Investigation

UPDATE 2:

Bullhead City Police detectives continue to investigate the officer-involved shooting (OIS) incident that occurred in Lake Havasu City, AZ on June 10, 2024. The Lake Havasu City Police Officer involved in the shooting is identified as Officer Michael Thornhill, who has been with the LHCPD for approximately 18 years.

The suspect involved in the incident – Justin James Allen, 37 of Lake Havasu City – remains at a hospital in Phoenix, AZ. He is reportedly in stable condition. A felony warrant was issued for his arrest for charges of aggravated assault on a police officer.

Please see the original press release below for additional information.

On Tue, Jun 11, 2024 at 11:38 AM Emily Fromelt <efromelt@bullheadcityaz.gov> wrote:

UPDATE:

Justin James Allen, 37 of Lake Havasu City, was airlifted to a Phoenix Hospital yesterday afternoon (6/10/24) for further treatment. He is currently listed in critical condition.

A temporary felony warrant was issued for Allen’s arrest for charges of aggravated assault on a police officer.

The name of the Lake Havasu City Police Officer and Body Worn Camera footage will not be released until after interviews are concluded. The investigation is ongoing.

(Original press release below)

From: Emily Fromelt <efromelt@bullheadcityaz.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2024 1:56 PM
Subject: Press Release – OIS Investigation

Police Press Release

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

Lake Havasu City

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – June 10, 2024 – The Bullhead City Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Lake Havasu City.

     On Monday, June 10th at approximately 5:30 a.m., the Lake Havasu City Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Arcadia Drive for a report of a suspicious male yelling and causing a disturbance in the street. When the responding officer contacted the suspicious male – 37-year-old Justin James Allen – he was very agitated, screaming at the officer to get off his property. Justin Allen reportedly exited his residence armed with a shotgun and refused to listen to the officer’s commands. The officer shot Allen multiple times.

     Officers immediately began performing life-saving efforts before he was transported to Havasu Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Allen is currently listed in stable condition.

     The investigation is ongoing. It is protocol to have an outside agency investigate an officer-involved shooting incident. The Lake Havasu City Police officer who discharged his weapon is currently on administrative leave, which is also customary in an officer-involved shooting incident.