Phoenix police launch internal investigation after deadly bar fight

PHOENIX — A fight outside of a bar in downtown Phoenix led to a man’s death and now, one week later, the Phoenix Police Department is internally investigating how officers handled the incident.

A Professional Standards Bureau investigation is underway to see if department policy was followed in the early morning hours of March 16, 2024. 

RELATED: Man dies after ‘brawl’ outside of central Phoenix bar

Two off-duty officers were working as security at a bar just south of Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street when a fight broke out in front of the establishment.

Police said those officers tried to break up the fight, but not before a 22-year-old man was reportedly knocked unconscious on the ground. 

That man, who has been identified as Rafael Montoya, was taken to the hospital with severe head trauma. He died three days later.

Police said investigators have questioned witnesses and people involved in the fight, but no arrests have been made.

According to the department, a Professional Standards Bureau investigation is typically brought forward by citizen complaints or supervisors. It is unclear who prompted this review.

Phoenix police ask anyone who captured video of the incident to contact investigators or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS to remain anonymous. 

Arizona’s Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.

The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.

Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program’s website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.

Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.

Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.

 Have a tip? Submit it on the Silent Witness tip form here. 

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