Melendez said that hackers were blackmailing him for money and further warned authorities they might falsely report a violent crime at his home. A deputy even visited his home and reiterated that he would be safe if another false report was made. On April 10, deputies with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to a fake 911 call at Melendez’s residence reporting an active shooting. According to Melendez’s attorneys, deputies ignored several warning signs that suggested the emergency call was a hoax. Upon entering the residence, deputies encountered an armed man and fired multiple rounds, striking Melendez and leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.