Man fatally shot by Mesa police

Mesa Police Detective Michael Melendez said they were called to a home near University Drive and Higley Road Friday evening after reports of an argument between the couple.

Upon arrival, authorities learned the two were involved in a verbal dispute. Based on the information provided by both parties, the officers determined a crime had not been committed.

The woman, 21, left the scene and her boyfriend told authorities he was going to his sister's house. She later called police back, asking how to serve an order of protection.

"The officers called her back, provided that information to her over the phone and about 1:15 [a.m.] they responded back to serve the order on her boyfriend and that's when the incident occurred," Melendez said.

When officers arrived to serve the papers, the man pulled out a knife.

"When they get there, she [victim] let them into the home. She goes back outside while they attempt to serve the order of protection," Melendez said. "During that contact, at some point in time, the suspect produces a knife, he threatens the officers with the knife, and one of the officers discharged his firearm."

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there was a history of domestic violence between the couple.