ARIZONA NEWS

2 people arrested in connection with shooting of trooper in Phoenix

May 26, 2023, 9:50 AM | Updated: 3:38 pm

Booking photos of Howard Lamar Johnson and Sonia Hernandez, who were arrested in connection with th...

Howard Lamar Johnson and Sonia Hernandez were arrested in connection with the shooting of a state trooper in Phoenix on May 25, 2023. (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photos)

(Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photos)

PHOENIX — Two people were arrested in connection with the shooting of a state trooper in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Howard Lamar Johnson, 34, is considered the main suspect, the Phoenix Police Department said Friday morning. He was booked into jail on multiple counts, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Sonia Hernandez, 27, also was booked on multiple counts for allegedly helping Johnson after the shooting near the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway and 19th Avenue.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, officers responded to a call around 12:40 p.m. Thursday to back up a trooper who’d been shot.

The trooper, who was shot several times, was taken to a local hospital with injuries that weren’t life-threatening, according to DPS.

“Having spoken with the trooper and his family, I am optimistic he will be back on the road in due time, protecting the citizens of Arizona with his brave and selfless service,” Col. Jeffrey Glover said in a press release.

Detectives identified the suspect, who police tracked to an apartment complex near 67th and Olive avenues in Glendale.

The man was taken into custody after a short barricade situation and taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries from the original incident with the trooper, police said.

He was booked into jail later Thursday after being released from the hospital.

No other details were immediately available.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona News

Police are asking the public for help identifying a nonverbal boy found walking without shoes in Gl...

KTAR.com

Police seek information about nonverbal child found in Glendale

Authorities are asking the public for help identifying a nonverbal child found walking without shoes in Glendale on Tuesday morning.

8 hours ago

Photo of tech workers to illustrate story on metro Phoenix adding more than 98,000 jobs last year....

Jim Cross

New report shows strength of diversified metro Phoenix workforce

Metro Phoenix added more than 98,000 jobs last year and now has 130,000 more jobs than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report.

8 hours ago

(Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)...

KTAR.com

Southbound I-17 in Phoenix reopens following serious crash

Part of the Interstate 17 freeway in Phoenix was closed Tuesday morning for hours due to a serious crash.

8 hours ago

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)...

Brandon King

Arizona copper mine construction delayed, as activists work to find solution

Earlier this month, the federal government put a pause on the building of the planned Resolution Copper mine, the latest in a decade-long series of delays.

8 hours ago

Jorrell Yazzie (Chandler Police Department)...

Brandon Gray

Mesa man arrested after fatal crash in Chandler

A Mesa man has been arrested following a fatal three-vehicle crash in Chandler Monday morning, authorities said. 

8 hours ago

(U.S. Marshals Service Photo)...

KTAR.com

Fugitive wanted for sex crimes against children extradited from Mexico to Arizona

A man wanted by the Peoria Police Department for sex crimes against children was extradited back to the United States on Friday.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

2 people arrested in connection with shooting of trooper in Phoenix