Fugitive dies after being shot by police

Another person wounded by multiagency task force

Mesa police officers who are part of a multiagency task force fatally shot a man considered to be a fugitive as they were attempting to arrest him Thursday night in Glendale, police said.

Brandon Pequeno, 25, and a 17-yearold female were shot by officers who were part of a task force that included about six different local and federal agencies.

The officers were attempting to apprehend the fugitive “considered armed and dangerous,” who they believed was driving a stolen car and was wanted in connection with multiple felonies, police said.

The shooting occurred about 7 p.m. near 52nd and Northern avenues, Glendale police said.

Pequeno, who was wanted in connection with kidnapping, domestic violence, aggravated assault and felony warrants, began ramming other cars with his vehicle in an attempt to flee from officers, Glendale police said Friday.

Three members of the task force from the Mesa Police Department, “fearing for their lives,” began shooting at Pequeno, Glendale police said.

No police or bystanders were injured, but Pequeno and the 17-year-old female were treated at the scene for gunshot wounds, then were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. Pequeno later died.

The 17-year-old remained hospitalized in critical condition Friday, according to police.

Another 25-year-old man also was in the vehicle but was unharmed. He was taken by officers into custody for questioning, police said.

The relationship between the three people in the vehicle is unclear, and the investigation is ongoing, police said.