One ‘ambushed’ Chandler police officer home recovering, other remains in hospital

PHOENIX — One of the Chandler officers that was “ambushed” over the weekend has been released from the hospital while the other awaits another surgery, police said Monday.

The officers were in stable condition following Saturday’s shooting, though both sustained serious injuries. The officer awaiting more surgery, Joshua Pueblo, was hit in the face.

Both officers were expected to make a full recovery.

Chandler Police detective Seth Tyler said the officers were dispatched to the Walmart near Arizona Avenue and the Loop 202 about 6:20 a.m. in response to a possible trespasser.

When Pueblo walked into the store, the suspect — later identified as 24-year-old Mitchell Oakley — opened fire.

“We don’t know if he was able to return fire or not,” Tyler said of Pueblo. “You could call it what you want, but it sounds like an ambush to me.”

The second officer, Daniel Colwell, shot and killed Oakley after being wounded.

Both Pueblo and Colwell have been with the department less than five years.

Chandler Police Chief Sean Duggan said at a press conference Saturday afternoon that he was proud of his officers and the Chandler Fire Department. He added that he was extremely grateful to the community, including one citizen who rendered aid to the officers until paramedics arrived.

“This incident is yet another example of how dangerous the profession of policing can be,” he said. “Our officers responded to what some may call a routine call, even though we realized that there is no such thing as a routine call.”

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