Authorities in Arizona say an officer was fatally shot yesterday by a suspect who then took his own life.
The Associated Press reports that Officer Tyler J. Stewart of the Flagstaff Police Department was searching for domestic violence suspect Robert W. Smith yesterday afternoon. When Smith, 28, encountered the 24-year-old Stewart, he fired several shots, striking the officer. After shooting Stewart, Smith reportedly committed suicide.
Stewart was pronounced dead after being taken to Flagstaff Medical Center in critical condition. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Although an investigation is ongoing, police do not think Stewart got the opportunity to fire his weapon.
Flagstaff Police Chief Kevin Treadway expressed his grief over Stewart's death in a statement:
This is an enormous tragedy for our department and the family of our Officer. We are a very close knit organization, and know that all members of the Flagstaff Police Department are grieving at this time. With that being said, all of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department extend our prayers and condolences to the family of our Officer Tyler Stewart.
According to the Associated Press, Stewart had been a member of the Flagstaff Police Department for less than a year.
[via Associated Press]
