MOHAVE COUNTY – The Kingman Police Department is conducting the independent investigation of a deadly Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) in Lake Havasu City. Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) personnel were following up a Saturday domestic violence incident in Topock when they visited a residence in the 1600 block of S. Smoketree Avenue on Sunday.
MCSO spokeswoman Anita Mortensen said SWAT teams with the MCSO and Lake Havasu City Police Department were dispatched to the home after it was confirmed it was occupied by Case Chrouser, 38, Topock. She said Chrouser was wanted for aggravated assault, theft of a firearm and prohibited possession of a weapon.
“Negotiations were attempted with no response from inside the residence,” Mortensen said. “Chrouser was seen looking out the window of the residence several times.”
Mortensen said gas was deployed into the home with no response. SWAT personnel reportedly entered several hours into the standoff.
Mortensen said additional gas was deployed when officers determined Chrouser was barricaded in a bathroom and used a camera to observe that he was pointing a weapon toward the door.
“Chrouser opened the door and began firing at SWAT personnel,” she said. “Three SWAT members with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking Chrouser.”
Medical personnel attempted life saving measures, but Chrouser died on scene. No one else was hurt in the ordeal.
The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, standard procedure in OIS incidents.
