In the early evening of December 2, 2014, Rumain Brisbon, a 34-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by a Phoenix police officer, an incident that began with a report of a suspected drug deal. The officer, responding to a tip about individuals selling drugs from a black Cadillac SUV, approached the vehicle where Brisbon was sitting. When the officer encountered Brisbon, he ordered him to show his hands.
Accounts from police state that Brisbon appeared to be removing something from the back of the SUV, then placed his hands in his waistband area before fleeing.
A foot chase ensued, leading to a physical struggle between the officer and Brisbon. During the altercation, the officer grabbed Brisbon's hand, which was inside his pocket, and claimed he felt an object he believed to be the handle of a gun. Fearing for his safety, the 30-year-old officer, identified as Mark Rine, a seven-year veteran of the force, fired two shots, striking Brisbon in the torso. Rumain Brisbon was pronounced dead at the scene. The object in Brisbon's pocket was later discovered to be a vial of oxycodone pills. Investigators reported finding a semi-automatic handgun and a jar of marijuana inside Brisbon's SUV.
The aftermath of the shooting saw protests in Phoenix, with community members and Brisbon's family demanding transparency and the release of the officer's name. Officer Mark Rine, who is white, was later identified and placed on non-enforcement duty pending an investigation. An autopsy confirmed that Brisbon died from two gunshot wounds. Ultimately, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced that Officer Rine would not face any criminal charges for his actions in the death of Rumain Brisbon.
