Police ID man shot, killed by officers at cemetery in Tucson

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Police in Tucson released new details about a deadly shooting involving police officers on the south side of the city Friday night..

An update from Tucson Police Department on Saturday afternoon, May 27, identified the man who died as 34-year-old Joseph Zimmerman.

Officers said they got a call Friday, May 26, from a man who said he was suicidal and had a gun.

Police responded to the South Lawn Cemetery near Drexel and Park Avenue. Officers had to clear out people who were at the cemetery for funeral services at the time.

"We heard a bunch of police officers just coming in here – that's when she said everybody inside we have to lock it down," said David Griego, a witness who was at a nearby funeral service.

After trying to talk with the man, police said Zimmerman threw his cell phone down and approached officers with a gun to his head.

The update from TPD stated officers told Zimmerman to put down the gun several times.

Two officers shot him after they said he lowered the gun in the direction of the officers, according to the release.

Officers and members of the Tucson Fire Department attempted first aid, but Zimmerman died at the cemetery.

No officers were hurt.

Homicide detectives later determined the gun Zimmerman had was a BB gun, according to the release.

"It's scary. Sometimes you never know what could happen," said another witness, Vanessa Seumalo. "You come here to grieve and visit your loved ones and something happens like that it's scary."

Detectives are conducting a criminal investigation, which is standard practice according to TPD.

The department's Office of Professional Standards is also conducting its own investigation into the actions of the two officers.

The two officers involved in the shooting are identified as Officer Francisco Magos, a ten and a half year veteran of the department, and Officer Timothy Anderson, a six year veteran of the department.

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