Ducey: DPS shooting an example of new culture with residents, officers
Jul 30, 2018, 7:07 PM | Updated: 8:50 pm
(AP Photo/Bob Christie)
(AP Photo/Bob Christie)
PHOENIX — The recent shooting of an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper combined with the high number of officer-involved shootings in the Phoenix area exemplifies a new culture between residents and law enforcement officers, Gov. Doug Ducey argued.
“I grew up in a time and place that if a police officer pulled you over, you pulled over, you rolled down your window, you pulled out your license and you were respectful,” Ducey told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac and Gaydos on Monday.
“It seems like there is almost a push out there where people are pushing back at the police rather than talking about what their responsibilities are as law-abiding citizens. They’re trying to talk about what their rights are and they’re being confrontational.”
Ducey’s comments came on the same day that Phoenix-area residents were expected to gather at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix to pay their respects to Tyler Edenhofer, the Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper who was killed during a struggle with a suspect last week.
Edenhofer was shot and killed on July 25, after he and two other troopers responded to calls that a man was walking along the Interstate 10 in Avondale and throwing rocks at cars. The suspect, later identified as Isaac King, was arrested shortly after the incident and was charged with first-degree murder on Sunday.
“I think our police should be good actors and act in good faith and they’re there to protect and serve us, but I also think we should realize the role that they have,” Ducey said.
“By and large, the men and women who wear the uniform are there to protect us. I think we owe them our respect.”
Ducey and Arizona Department of Public Safety head Col. Frank Milstead were expected to speak at the Monday night vigil.
