Another shoot out in Maricopa! An investigation is currently underway, according to officials in the town of Maricopa, following a shooting and barricade situation in Maricopa that ended with the suspect’s death today.

According to Maricopa Police, the incident began as an investigation into a gun notice complaint in The Villages at Rancho El Dorado. When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect, identified as Brian Simmons, was very combative, and then exchanged gunfire with officers. The suspect later barricaded himself into his home.

Simmons, who was 39, just 2 weeks ago, was also taken into custody after an incident at Copper Sky Gym complex. He rushed past the front desk and began working out despite not having a membership. He was charged with criminal trespassing and what is called ‘theft of services’ then booked into Pinal County jail. He was also involved in a previous trespassing incident at the gym on March 19.

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Shootout and barricade situation in Maricopa

Police said that while Simmons was barricaded inside his home, Butterfield Elementary School went on lock-down as a precaution. Many on social media feared there may be a firearms incident at the school, which was NOT the case.

The suspect was later found dead in his backyard, presumably shot by members of the SWAT team moved into the scene, after a 2-hour standoff.

Maricopa Police Sgt. Hal Koozer indicated that the suspect was initially in the garage, then retreated into the home.

“He barricaded himself in the house.” Sgt. Koozer said.

Shootout and barricade situation in Maricopa

The Maricopa Fire department and even the Casa Grande Police also responded. Very busy day for all.

Koozer said that police officers believe cause of death was a gunshot, but they are yet uncertain whether it was officer-inflicted or perhaps self-inflicted. No officers were injured, which is always good news.

During the stand-off, Maricopa Police closed the surrounding area to traffic and encouraged residents in the area to stay in their homes. As a necessary precaution, Butterfield Elementary was under a lock-down order. There was no immediate threat to the school, which was locked down

There was no immediate threat to the school, which was locked down as a precaution. The lock-down at Butterfield Elementary was later lifted.

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Several Neighbors, who asked to remain anonymous, indicated the man had a history of parading up and down the street throwing his clothes, yelling obscenities and generally acting irrationally.

Well, hope that answers a LOT of queries from NextDoor and Social Media in general. Quite the ‘goins on‘ today, to say the least. We will advice of the name of the deceased suspect once police have released it.

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