Bank Robber Is Shot And Killed By Mesa Police But Some Online Argue Is Hands Where Raised Up

TEMPE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Tempe police say a suspected bank robber was killed after he reached for a gun. Mesa police shot him in Tempe Wednesday around 2 p.m. at Baseline Road and College Avenue, which is just east of Mill Avenue. He has been identified as 37-year-old Stephen Phil Franco.

Tempe police, who are investigating the shooting, said Mesa police caught up with the suspect in his vehicle in a parking lot in that area. Officers told him to get out of the car, but the man refused. SWAT teams responded and tried to negotiate with the man. Investigators said the suspect indicated he was armed and exited the vehicle. SWAT then deployed less-lethal force and police released a K-9 to tried to get him to comply with commands, but were unsuccessful. On Thursday, police said that Franco had lowered his band to his waistband, and was trying to reach for handgun. That's when officers fired their guns.

Authorities began rendering aid before paramedics arrived. He was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. There were no injuries to officers.

A video taken by a citizen at the location and uploaded to social media seems to show the suspect with his hands up and surrendering but there are moments his hands seem to disappear below the car hood blocking the view.