Former MCSO deputy: Instinct likely helped save my life after being shot in face

PHOENIX — A former Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was shot in the face recently while playing Pokemon Go said instinct likely helped save her life.

“There was some definite instinct there,” the victim, who is being called Toni to protect her identity, said during a hospital press conference.

Toni was parked at Peoria City Hall on Feb. 18 playing the popular cell phone game — something she said she does practically every night — when several people approached her car.

One of them asked how to get to 67th Avenue and Litchfield Road and, when Toni responded they had a long walk ahead of them, pulled a gun.

Toni — a 14-year veteran of the sheriff’s office — attempted to drive away but the gunman pulled the trigger, shooting her in the face.

“I was doing nothing wrong and it’s sad that these kinds of people can take your freedom away from you and your desire to do things,” she said.

Toni said the bullet shattered her right jawbone and broke the left side.

She said there seemed to be no reason for the shooting and had seen the suspects several times.

“I think they were just looking for the right car and the right person,” she said.

There are five suspects in the case.

The first suspect, the shooter, is a Hispanic male who is in his late teens. He is 5-foot-7 or shorter, weighs about 140 pounds and has a thin build. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

The second suspect is also a Hispanic male in his late teens. He stands about 5-foot-10 and weighs about 200 pounds with an athletic build. He was wearing a green, Army-style jacket and dark jeans.

The third suspect, like the others, is a Hispanic male in his late teens. He was wearing a white painter’s hat and pants.

A description was not given for the fourth and fifth suspects, as Toni did not get a good look at them.

After she was shot, Toni was able to drive a short distance away and call 911. She said the operator was “cool, calm and collected” and gave her step-by-step instructions to help first responders find her.

“Part of me being here today is because of her,” Toni said.

The former deputy said she does own a weapon, but never carries it in her car unless she is going on long trips. She said it wouldn’t have made a difference if she had it with her.

“Even if would have had that gun, I would have been able to do nothing,” she said. “He was so quick.”

Despite the shooting, Toni said she still plays the game and will continue to do so.

“I am addicted to Pokemon, I can tell you that,” she said.

However, she would like to see the game make some changes in regards to where it places necessary play areas.

“Some of these places they have these Pokemon stops, they should not have them there,” she said. “They’re secluded. People can’t see.”

Toni also had a message for the person who shot her.

“Good luck in prison. I know a lot of guards,” she said with a laugh.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Peoria Police Department at 623-773-8311 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

KTAR’s Corbin Carson contributed to this report.

Related

Gilbert ranks No. 5 among most affordable U.S. cities for grocery shoppingAPS customers to receive $14.70 bill credit in NovemberSAFE Alert canceled after 73-year-old man found safelyHobbs creates committee focused on bringing U.S. Space Academy to ArizonaThe Original Tavern opening in North Phoenix in 2027Tempe Police Department introduces new K9 named Cash