• The following is a chronological summary of the shootings:
• June 1, 2008, a Tucson PD officer was shot and killed by a subject armed with an assault type weapon. Two Pima County Deputies were also wounded. The suspect was arrested and is currently in custody.
• June 3, 2008, two Phoenix PD officers were on patrol in the area of 35th Avenue and Culver (just north of I-10) when rifle shots were fired at them, striking the patrol vehicle several times. The two suspects bailed from the vehicle and were captured a short time later. The officers were not injured.
• June 10, 2008, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer was shot at as he was entering the ACE Uniform store at 1500 E. McDowell in Phoenix. A red vehicle was traveling east on McDowell, the vehicle slowed and began to make a turn south onto 15th Street. The black male suspect yelled a profanity and then he raised a handgun in the direction of the officer and fired at least one round at the officer. The vehicle was not located. The officer was not injured.
• In 2007, assaults on police officers nationwide were at an all time high, with 187 deaths.
• There are many factors which may lead to these types of assaults, including narcotics, gang activity and immigration related activity. Watchfulness should be incorporated in seemingly routine tasks such as meal breaks, traveling to and from work and attending court. Officers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times.