Phoenix, AZ – Police released edited video of a woman shooting at officers who were working in her yard on March 8, 2021.
The homeowner was aware the officers were coming but police say it’s unclear if the suspect, who lives in the home, knew they were coming.
Critical Incident Briefing from Phoenix PD: This incident started around 2:00 p.m., when Community Action Officers from the Cactus Park Precinct were at a residence to help a couple with yard maintenance due to their bushes and trees being overgrown.
While speaking with the male homeowner outside, the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Larissa Boulais, came out of the house onto the patio, armed with a gun. She then shot at officers and yelled at them as she retreated back into the house.
The officers were able to move the male homeowner to safety. Boulais then exited the residence a second time, this time near the garage, and pointed the gun at an officer. That officer fired his weapon at Boulais causing her to go back inside the home. She was not struck by the officer’s gunfire.
Over the course of almost 7 and a half hours, officers from the Special Assignment Unit attempted to communicate with Boulais. They used several tools in an effort to have Boulais exit the house, including gas, less lethal munition, and communicating over a loudspeaker in an attempt to have Boulais exit the residence, but she refused.
Just before 10:00 p.m., officers, who were now inside the residence, were able to arrest Boulais inside of a bedroom with the assistance of gas and the less lethal rounds.
Boulais was transported to the hospital for injuries resulting from the less lethal rounds and gas. After she was released, she was booked for aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault, weapons violations, and endangerment.
The officer involved in the shooting is assigned to the Cactus Park Precinct and has six years of service with the Phoenix Police Department.
There were no injuries to officers or other community members.
Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
