ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona man who shot DPS trooper sentenced to 169 years in prison

Sep 1, 2023, 12:00 PM | Updated: 8:24 pm

PHOENIX — An Arizona man was sentenced to 169 years in prison after getting into a gunfight with a DPS trooper, authorities said Friday.

Juan Manuel Rodriguez, 49, was found guilty on 11 charges on July 19, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

He was accused of refusing to pull over for a traffic stop, triggering a chase — and taking out a machine gun to fire at the pursuing officer. The attack occurred in Kingman on April 1, 2022, authorities said.

Why was the DPS shooter sentenced to so many years?

He will spend more than a lifetime behind bars — but the time was earned, officials said.

They said his 169-year sentence was determined by his various crimes:

– Attempted first-degree murder: 35 years
– Aggravated assault: 35 years
– Possession of narcotic drugs for sale: 28 years
– Possession of dangerous drugs for sale: 28 years
– Unlawful flight: 6 years
– Money laundering: 20 years
– Aggravated assault: 35 years
– Aggravated assault: 20 years
– Drive-by shooting: 35 years
– Discharging a firearm at a non-residential structure: 20 years
– Misconduct involving weapons: 12 years

During the 2022 attack, Rodriquez rammed his car into the DPS trooper’s vehicle, officials said. He also struck the detective in the back, although the officer fled to a safe location to get medical attention.

Rodriguez also left the gun battle with wounds, but he collapsed on his way to the nearby Mohave County Community College campus, officials said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

The evacuation order for the Brady Fire was lifte on Wednesday....

KTAR.com

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Brady Fire south of Prescott

The evacuation order for a community threatened by the Brady Fire south of Prescott was lifted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

40 minutes ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

2nd teen in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal has died

The second teen involved in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal last week has died, authorities announced Wednesday.

1 hour ago

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people...

Kevin Stone

Suspect opens fire at unsheltered people at Tempe park, injuring 3

Three people were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people in Tempe, authorities said.

2 hours ago

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials are trying to educate passengers on how to at properly travel with firearms.

3 hours ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

3 hours ago

I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project...

Danny Shapiro

New lanes open to motorists as part of I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is one step closer to completion after new lanes on the highway recently opened, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Arizona man who shot DPS trooper sentenced to 169 years in prison