Phoenix Police Identified Officers in Fatal Shooting
Authorities released the names of two officers involved in a fatal encounter with an armed 20-year-old.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Phoenix Police Department identified Michael Ugalde-Flores and Gerrit Groenewold as the officers who fatally shot 20-year-old Jonathan Delgado. The incident occurred after officers responded to a call regarding a mental health crisis.
Why it matters
The shooting has prompted an independent investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety to determine if the use of force followed department policy. It highlights the complexities of police responses to individuals experiencing mental health episodes.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Major Incident Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The shooting remains subject to a formal review by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
The players
Jonathan Delgado
The 20-year-old individual who was killed by police during an encounter in an alleyway.
Michael Ugalde-Flores
A Phoenix Police Department officer who has served with the force for five years.
Gerrit Groenewold
An officer with seven years of total law enforcement experience, including two years with the Phoenix Police Department.
Arizona Department of Public Safety
The state law enforcement agency currently leading the investigation into the shooting incident.
Maricopa County Attorney's Office
The local prosecutorial agency tasked with reviewing the shooting to determine potential legal outcomes.
The details
Family members originally contacted police to help Jonathan Delgado, who they reported was attempting to hurt himself. Body camera footage shows Delgado running at officers while armed with a knife in an alleyway near 18th Avenue and Cheryl Drive.
Timeline
September 6: Police shot and killed Jonathan Delgado at 11 a.m.
September 22: Phoenix police identified the officers involved in the shooting.
Legal Context
This investigation follows the standard transparency protocols established by the 2020 Phoenix police use-of-force policy reforms. The city continues to navigate public scrutiny regarding how law enforcement handles mental health crisis calls.
Residents in the area near 18th Avenue and Cheryl Drive may have experienced local disruption during the initial site investigation. Public access to body camera footage has been provided to ensure transparency regarding the events leading to the officer intervention.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges local law enforcement faces when managing mental health calls that escalate rapidly. Families in crisis are encouraged to seek specialized support services when possible to facilitate safer interactions with first responders.
Further reading
For more information on department procedures, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZfamily.
