Matthew Granado’s Obituary, Death – On Friday evening, December 13, 2024, Tempe police identified Matthew Granado, 32, as the individual involved in an incident that resulted in a police officer being shot in the leg and Granado himself being fatally shot by law enforcement. The confrontation began when a specialized unit of the Tempe Police Department, known as the ACTION team, located Granado at a Circle K gas station near Rural and Baseline Roads.
Granado had an outstanding felony warrant related to drug sales. According to police spokesperson Jessica Ells, upon the arrival of officers, Granado attempted to evade capture by driving away from the scene. He abandoned his vehicle near Lamplighter Lane and fled on foot. During the pursuit, Granado brandished a firearm and fired at the pursuing officers, injuring one in the leg. Officers returned fire, fatally shooting Granado. Emergency medical services pronounced him dead at the scene.
The injured officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transported to a hospital and is recovering following successful surgery, according to police updates. Tempe police have not released further information about the officer’s condition or expected recovery timeline.
While details of Granado’s background remain limited, it has been noted that he faced significant legal issues, including the outstanding felony charge. Community members and those who knew Granado described him as a “good person,” though no further personal details or comments have been provided.
No obituary, funeral, or visitation details for Granado have been released as of the time of this report. Additional information regarding these arrangements is expected to follow.
This tragic event underscores the risks faced by law enforcement and the importance of critical response procedures in high-stakes situations. It also raises questions about the circumstances leading to the escalation of violence during the pursuit. As the investigation unfolds, more clarity will emerge about the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
Tempe authorities and the broader community await further developments in the investigation and will likely reflect on this incident’s impact on public safety and law enforcement practices.
