Family mourns death of man shot and killed near Metrocenter by Phoenix police

Show Caption Hide Caption What happens in a 911 call? Go inside the Phoenix Fire Department 911 call center to learn about what's going on when you call 911 in the Phoenix metro area. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com

Family and co-workers on Wednesday mourned the death of a man who was fatally shot by two Phoenix police officers at a transit station outside Metrocenter, near Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue.

Phoenix police said Rabi Brown, a 34-year old Native American, was warned not to touch his gun before he pulled it from his pocket, prompting two officers to open fire on Tuesday, Phoenix police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said.

Tuesday’s shooting marked the 23rd incident this year that a Phoenix police officer shot at someone. Phoenix police shot 21 people in 2017; 25 in 2016.

Brown was administered first aid before he was pronounced dead at the scene, Thompson said.

Rabi’s mother, Pauline Brown, told The Arizona Republic “maybe it’s just prejudice,” as she shared tears with her two other sons, Roberto, 32, and Paulden 23, as they consoled her on the front porch of their central Phoenix house.

“He was never a violent man, he was loving and caring and always helpful to the family,” she said.

On the morning of the incident, Rabi helped his ill father shower and dress for a doctor’s appointment before leaving the house, Roberto said.

Around 2:30 p.m., Phoenix police responded to a call reporting a man (Rabi) playing with a handgun at the transit station outside the Metrocenter.

A security guard directed the two officers to the departing bus that Brown had boarded. They spotted him sitting near several passengers at the bus's rear, police said.

Thompson said that the officers approached Rabi and commanded him not to touch his gun. But he pulled it from his pocket, prompting the officers to shoot him, Thomspon said.

Rabi’s mother said she doesn’t believe the police account.

"I want to be able to view the videos in the bus and hear the witness reports,” she said.

Community gathers for vigil

On Wednesday, the Center for Neighborhood Leadership held a vigil at the Metro Center bus stop where the shooting took place to honor those killed by Phoenix police this year.

Community members at the vigil added Rabi's name to the list, holding a moment of silence while holding roses and lit candles.

Parris Wallace, a group member, said she decided to attend the vigil with her organization partly to rally for change.

"We're just asking the city over and over again, 'What are you going to do? Are you going to help us?' We're dying," Wallace said.

Rabi worked nearly 50 hours a week as a dishwasher at Takamatsu, a Japanese restaurant in Phoenix, Paulden said.

“He’s almost worked here for 20 years," said Kim Stephens, Rabi’s co-worker. “He would never say 'no' when we asked him to do things.”

Rabi leaves behind his parents, three brothers, one sister, and a niece.

Paulden turned 23 Wednesday and was distraught that his brother "won’t be here,” to celebrate with the family.

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