TUCSON, AZ — A Tucson store employee shot and killed a man who allegedly assaulted him in a parking lot encounter that police believe may have been self-defense, according to a statement from the Tucson Police Department.
The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. on April 18, 2025, in the 900 block of West Irvington Road. Officers responding to the scene found 39-year-old Michael Alex Montano Mendoza lying in a parking lot near 17th Avenue, suffering from gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were attempted, but Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Mendoza had entered a store at 903 W. Irvington Road and then stepped outside with an employee to look at items being offered for sale. At some point during that exchange, Mendoza reportedly physically assaulted the 24-year-old employee.
In response, the employee, who had a firearm, shot Mendoza. The employee sustained minor injuries during the confrontation and was treated at a local hospital.
Shortly after the shooting, the employee called 9-1-1 and remained at the scene. Homicide detectives processed the area and conducted interviews. Based on the initial evidence and witness accounts, the employee has not been charged. The case will be reviewed by the Pima County Attorney’s Office for a final determination.
The investigation is ongoing.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of violent encounters and the importance of being prepared. While the law generally supports the use of deadly force only when faced with an imminent threat of death or serious injury, presenting a clear and justifiable reason for such action is critical. Those who carry for self-defense should understand their state’s laws and be ready to articulate the threat they faced in any defensive encounter.
