Mesa Police Officer Shawn Freeman's Negligent Firearm Discharge: A Costly Cover-Up for the Community
The Costly Consequences of Deception: A Mesa Officer's False Claims and Their Impact on Public Safety
In January 2018, Shawn Freeman told a compelling story during his first Officer Involved Shooting. He initially reported that while on duty, a man shot at him, which led him to return fire as the suspect fled through a gap in a fence. However, immediately after, Officer Freeman changed his account, claiming that the suspect had aimed a firearm at him, prompting him to fire in the suspect's direction before the individual escaped through the same opening.
During the incident, Officer Freeman provided a detailed description of the suspect and, without any external prompting, identified him by name. This was particularly significant as Officer Freeman had previously interacted with the suspect in the days leading up to the incident and was aware of his residence in the nearby area.
The Mesa Police Department swiftly launched a large-scale operation to track down the suspect, deploying a helicopter for several hours and reallocating officers from other areas, which hindered their ability to respond to public calls for help. The operation also involved already strained K-9 units, and detectives provided false information in affidavits to secure arrest and search warrants. The US Marshals Task Force even joined the search. On the night of the shooting, multiple investigators were called in to look for evidence that the suspect might have been injured or killed by Officer Freeman's gunfire. Despite their extensive efforts, no ballistic evidence was recovered, a concerning pattern that would later surface in other cases involving Officer Freeman.
The officers present with Freeman during this incident did not see anyone pointing a firearm at them. They even warned Freeman against calling out a "998"—the code for officer-involved shootings—over the radio, as they believed they had heard a taser being used instead of a gunshot. If they were close enough to hear the taser, they would have also been able to observe any potential threat from a suspect, yet none of them drew their weapons or fired at the alleged suspect, apart from Freeman.
Detectives worked diligently throughout the night and into the next day, searching for bullets, shell casings, and other relevant evidence. However, the ballistic results did not support Freeman's claims, revealing a recurring issue in investigations involving him where physical evidence consistently contradicts his statements. Over time, Freeman and his fellow officers have been heard joking about the incident, playfully teasing him about "firing warning shots," which suggests a mutual understanding within the department that the shooting was not proper.
The Mesa Police Officer, who initiated a widespread and expensive manhunt for a suspect who supposedly shot at or pointed a gun at him, fabricated the entire incident.
It appears that Officer Freeman may have fabricated the narrative in an attempt to evade accountability for the negligent discharge of his firearm, which posed a significant risk to nearby citizens and children sleeping in their homes that night. This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of Officer Freeman.
An extensive independent investigation revealed that the person identified by Officer Freeman as the suspect in the Officer Involved Shooting was not in the area at the time of the incident. Supporting evidence, including physical and ballistic findings, confirms his innocence. Consequently, we have chosen not to reveal his identity in this article.
Charges were improperly filed against an individual who was not present when the alleged shooting took place. After learning of a warrant for his arrest, the suspect voluntarily turned himself in but was quickly released from custody, despite still facing these baseless charges. The unusual nature of his rapid release from custody indicates that the District Attorney may have identified discrepancies in the case, as it is uncommon for someone accused of threatening or shooting at a police officer to receive such leniency. This quick release of the “suspect” on bond raises further doubts about the credibility of Officer Freeman's claims.
In 2019, Freeman, who was a Sniper on the Mesa SWAT team, took part in executing a warrant in the same vicinity as the prior fabricated shooting incident. The individual Freeman had previously identified as a suspect in the Officer Involved Shooting was present at the scene, but he was not involved in the investigation. In a further act of aggression, Freeman shot him in the abdomen with bean bag rounds at close range while the man was complying, had his hands raised and the only item within reach was a cell phone. As a result of this retaliatory action, the man now suffers from permanent disfiguring injuries. Freeman lacked any justification for using the bean bag rounds, since the man was complying with police orders, and he was aware that the specific bean bags were defective, often leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. Many law enforcement agencies, including the Phoenix Police Department, have ceased using these bean bags due to their unreliability as a less lethal option. Nevertheless, the Mesa Police Department continues to use these dangerous bean bags despite the overwhelming evidence against their safety.
What happened to Mesa Police Officer Shawn Freeman?
The Mesa Police Department classified the shooting as "justified," a determination that was later rubber stamped by the Maricopa County Attorney's office. This conclusion prompts concerns regarding the investigative ability of Mesa Police Detectives who chose to overlook the extensive evidence disproving Officer Freeman’s narrative of the incident. If detectives or investigators couldn’t determine that Officer Freeman was dishonest and misleading in this shooting, how many other civilian shootings or crimes are they ignoring evidence or closing with an incorrect disposition? How many people are wrongfully convicted because Mesa PD investigators are ignoring evidence or not properly conducting investigations?
A civilian who makes a false report about a shooting could face severe legal consequences, including charges for filing a false emergency report, providing false information to law enforcement, endangerment, obstruction of justice, and various other criminal offenses. Additionally, they may be required to cover the costs associated with the emergency response. Yet, Officer Freeman, who allegedly fabricated a shooting incident that led to a major emergency response and wrongfully prosecuted an innocent individual, was instead promoted to the SWAT team. This inconsistency in accountability reveals a concerning double standard within the Mesa Police Department, suggesting that Mesa Police officers operate without fear of repercussions.
The lack of action from the Mesa Police Department, along with their endorsement of Freeman's behavior, conveys a disconcerting message regarding their approach to officer misconduct. By permitting an officer to create false emergencies, mislead investigations, lie in official reports, and wrongfully prosecute individuals without facing any penalties, they erode public trust. The fallout from Freeman's actions not only affects his personal integrity but also leads to wrongful charges against an innocent person and imposes significant financial strains on the community. The question to ask now is how many more? How many more individuals have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they didn’t commit based on officer Freemans habitual dishonesty in his reports? How many search or arrest warrants were signed by Judges based on false information intentionally provided by Officer Freeman in affidavits supporting the applications for warrants?
The lack of accountability has allowed Officer Freeman to continue his pattern of misconduct. Officer Freeman has been involved in multiple other officer involved shootings including one where he shot an unarmed man and lied to cover it up.
The Mesa Police Department appears to be infected with misconduct and corruption from the lowest ranks all the way up to the Chief and command staff. If most Police Officers are good, only a few are bad, why aren’t the good ones holding the bad ones accountable?
The constant cycle of lawsuit settlements approved by Chief Cost and the City of Mesa should be a wake-up call about how the department is being managed. The citizens of Mesa Arizona who haven’t had any negative experience with Mesa Police should be outraged about where their tax dollars are being spent while fearing that they or their loved one could be the next victim of a rogue Mesa Police officer.
RELATED - Mesa pays $5.4M to settle 10 claims against cops
Some would say that nobody was shot, injured or died, what’s the big deal?
It is widely acknowledged that in the event of a legitimate Officer Involved Shooting, particularly when a suspect has fired upon or threatened police with a firearm, a substantial response is warranted due to the clear threat posed to both law enforcement and the community at large. In such scenarios, the protocols and regulations governing police conduct may be overlooked, as the priority shifts to ensuring the safety of officers and the public. Conversely, when officers place themselves in harm's way and potentially jeopardize their careers in response to what turns out to be a fabricated emergency or a false report made by a fellow officer, it should provoke a strong sense of indignation among all police personnel and community members alike. Officer Freeman not only placed his own safety and career in jeopardy but all of his colleagues' and superiors as well. This is not conduct that should be accepted or tolerated from any law enforcement officer.
It is deeply troubling to consider the state of Officer Freeman's mental health, given that he managed to perpetuate a falsehood while receiving an outpouring of sympathy, empathy, and support from his colleagues, friends, family, and neighbors. Officer Freeman not only had someone falsely arrested and charged with a crime (which could have been any community member) but he also lied to his colleagues, his superiors, command staff, union representatives, attorneys, family, friends, neighbors and community members who showed their support, empathy and sympathy for Officer Freeman. They were under the impression that Officer Freemans life was in jeopardy and were manipulated to believe he went through the traumatic event of an Officer Involved Shooting. The response would’ve been far different if Officer Freemans colleagues, superiors, command staff, union representatives, lawyers, family, friends, neighbors and community members knew the truth that Officer Freeman experienced a negligent discharge of his firearm. There is a serious concern for the mental health of a person who can solicit and accept an outpouring of support for an incident that never happened. This situation raises significant questions about the stability of Officer Freeman’s mental health and why an individual with obvious mental health issues is allowed to carry a badge and a gun.
The ramifications of this incident extend far beyond the individual case, as a man was wrongfully identified and charged with crimes related to a non-existent shooting. The involvement of the Maricopa County District Attorney and public defenders consumed critical legal resources that are urgently needed elsewhere. A multi-agency response diverted law enforcement from addressing genuine public safety concerns during the incident. The issuance of search and arrest warrants based on misleading information not only violated the rights of innocent citizens but also placed undue strain on already overburdened detectives and judges.
Despite having multiple chances to be honest about his actions, Freeman opted to remain silent, allowing the City of Mesa to conduct an investigation for nearly a year. During this time, he garnered significant sympathy and support from colleagues, friends, and family. He misappropriated city and union resources intended for officers involved in critical incidents, and in a troubling turn of events, he permitted an innocent individual to accept a plea deal for a crime he did not commit, believing that the person's prior criminal history somehow justified this injustice. Regardless of a persons past criminal history or lack thereof, nobody deserves to be wrongfully convicted of a crime they did not commit. Especially a crime that carries a lifelong stigma such as a crime against a law enforcement officer.
Mesa Residents Demand Accountability: Investigating Police Misconduct and Officer Shawn Freeman's Actions
A coalition of concerned residents in Mesa, Arizona, is seeking clarity regarding the apparent lack of accountability for Mesa police officers who violate policies and the law. Among the officers under scrutiny, Officer Shawn Freeman has emerged as a particularly notable figure, prompting independent investigations into his conduct and raising significant concerns among the community.
The residents of Mesa are advocating for a comprehensive and impartial investigation of past allegations of misconduct against Officer Freeman, emphasizing the need for an external entity to oversee the investigation. There is a prevailing sentiment that the Mesa Police Department may not be a reliable source for such inquiries, given their history of overlooking unlawful behavior committed by their officers. This pattern of protecting officers who engage in lying, excessive force, civil rights violations and other policy violations has led to a lack of accountability that undermines public trust and raises serious questions about the integrity of the Mesa Police Department.
Furthermore, multiple local news stations have requested comment when they notice significant disparities and even bold lies written in officers official reports that do not match the officers body camera footage. Mesa Police Department has repeatedly ignored or declined to comment on those requests from local news reporters. Upon follow up, every one of those complaints against officers for their obvious and blatant dishonesty in reports was determined to be “unfounded” which calls into question the legitimacy, capabilities and integrity of the Mesa Police Department Internal Affairs Unit.
The implications of Officer Freeman's potential fabrication of an officer-involved shooting raise serious concerns about the integrity of his other statements. If there is a foundation of dishonesty in his reports, it is imperative that any convictions based on his accounts be thoroughly reevaluated and, if necessary, overturned. The credibility of law enforcement is paramount, and any erosion of trust must be addressed with urgency.
The City of Mesa has marketed the city as a safe city with low crime to corporations with the intention of convincing them to relocate or expand their businesses to Mesa, Arizona. The City of Mesa's portrayal as a safe city with low crime rates stands in stark contrast to the frequency of officer-involved shootings and other critical incidents involving its police force. If the city truly embodies safety, the prevalence of these alarming events raises significant concerns. The normalization of such incidents in local news broadcasts suggests a troubling reality that cannot be overlooked, as it undermines the very foundation of community trust and safety that Mesa claims to promote.
The liability of the Mesa Police Department has come under scrutiny, particularly concerning Officer Shawn Freeman's hiring process
Initially, the Mesa Police Department disqualified Freeman from applying for a period of seven years due to his admission of abusing prescription medications that were not prescribed to him. Following this disqualification, Freeman found employment at the Corrections Corporation of America and the Bureau of Prisons while waiting for the seven-year period to elapse. During this time, he applied to numerous police departments across the country but was unsuccessful in securing a position with any of them.
During the hiring process, Freeman was required to undergo two psychological evaluations, as the first assessment yielded unfavorable results. It raises significant concerns that the department permitted him to retake the evaluation without any intervening psychiatric support after the initial unfavorable outcome.
Prior to being hired, Shawn Freeman was arrested in Pinal County Arizona for a DUI. Freeman later accepted a plea to a lesser charge. If the Mesa Police Department had conducted a proper background check, they would’ve learned that during the traffic stop for the DUI Freeman refused a breathalyzer and lied to the Deputy about his occupation at the time. Freeman didn’t disclose that he worked as a prison guard because he didn’t want his employer to be notified of his arrest. Freeman’s dishonesty with a Pinal County Sheriff’s deputy during an arrest for driving while intoxicated should have been enough to disqualify Freeman from getting hired at the City of Mesa.
Shortly after being hired by the Mesa Police Department, Freeman faced his first complaint from his former fiancé and her new partner, who reported concerns regarding his temper and allegations of domestic violence. The department allegedly instructed Freeman to cease all contact with his ex-fiancé, promising to handle the situation. However, there was no formal investigation, and Freeman continued to see her for several years, demonstrating a disregard for the directive issued by the department. Additionally, during his time at the police academy, Freeman was involved in a serious relationship with another cadet, Kelsey Fortnam, who was later fired and de-certified for fabricating a story about being stalked which the Mesa Police Department determined was a hoax. Freeman reportedly misled investigators about his involvement in the situation, raising further questions about his conduct and the department's oversight.
Mesa Residents Demand Accountability: Investigating Police Misconduct and Officer Shawn Freeman's Actions
The Mesa Police Department has a concerning tendency to classify Internal Affairs complaints against its officers as "unfounded", even in instances where video evidence contradicts the officers' reports. This dangerous practice has been mentioned in over a dozen lawsuits settled against Mesa Police Officers in recent years.
It is essential that an impartial third party conducts a comprehensive investigation into the officer-involved shooting and all subsequent complaints filed against Officer Shawn Freeman by civilians and members of the Mesa Police Department. Adherence to established policies is crucial, and when violations occur, it is vital that those responsible are held accountable. The internal affairs personnel who neglected to investigate the allegations against Freeman must also face accountability, as their lack of action has contributed to ongoing misconduct committed by Freeman, including serious allegations ranging from failure to activate body cameras to severe use of force, unjustified shootings and potential cover-ups.
We respectfully request the reopening of this case, as there are clear deficiencies in the initial investigation and subsequent actions taken by Officer Freeman that indicate a troubling pattern of dishonesty. Such behavior not only undermines the integrity of the Mesa Police Department but also casts a shadow over the broader law enforcement community. It is imperative that these issues are addressed to restore public trust and ensure accountability.
Emails provided to us by another victim of Shawn Freeman show that the Mesa Police Department, City of Mesa officials and the Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost were all made aware of this incident over a year ago but have all failed to hold accountable Officer Freeman or any of the officers who helped him cover up his fabricated Officer Involved Shooting.
Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost, Mayor John Giles, City Management and all City Council members should be ashamed and embarrassed that this pattern of misconduct has been allowed to continue for so long. This officer is a representation of the City of Mesa and Arizona Law Enforcement, and has demonstrated no respect for the Mesa Police Department, city leaders, Arizona laws or the Constitution of the United States of America.
Regrettably, this isn’t the only Officer Involved Shooting where Mesa Police Officer Shawn Freeman was dishonest.