Arizona DPS trooper wounded, suspect killed after high-speed chase

PHOENIX – Law enforcement officers in southeastern Arizona killed a man early Thursday after he allegedly shot and wounded a state trooper and led authorities on a high-speed chase.

“Based upon the evidence gathered thus far, the suspect made some fatal decisions ultimately resulting in this use of deadly force by the officers on scene,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said in a press release.

The incident started around 3 a.m., when the Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper stopped an SUV traveling more than 110 mph on Interstate 10 about 10 miles from the New Mexico border, according to the release.

While the trooper talking to the driver, a 21-year-old man from Georgia whose name was not released, the SUV sped off westbound at speeds of more than 100 mph, according to the release.

When he reached the Willcox area he ran over a tire deflation device deployed by police who’d been alerted to the situation.

The device slowed but did not stop the vehicle. The trooper, who’d been in pursuit, then conducted a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver, bumping the SUV and causing it to rotate.

While his SUV was spinning, the driver shot at the trooper multiple times and hit him.

The trooper was taken to a Tucson hospital for surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

“I am glad the officer shot will fully recover, and the other law enforcement officers/deputies involved in this incident are safe after this critical situation,” Dannels said.

The suspect fled on foot into a residential area, where he was found hiding in a vehicle near a residence.

He tried to get into the home while carrying a handgun, according to the release. Officers considered him a threat to the residents because of his previous behavior and “utilized lethal force,” according to the release.

The man was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.

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