WHY, Ariz. — A Tohono O'odham Police officer was killed in an incident in Why Thursday, and the FBI is investigating.
According to the Tohono O'odham Nation, it started Thursday morning when TOPD officers responded to reports of an armed an erratic driver in the small town west of Tucson. An officer was injured while police were trying to apprehend the man and was airlifted to a hospital in Phoenix, where he later died.
According to messages of condolence from the Surprise Police Department and the Nogales Police Department on Twitter, his name was Officer Bryan Brown.
The suspect tried to flee the scene but TOPD officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents took him into custody, the Tohono O'odham Nation said. The suspect is now hospitalized, receiving medical care for his injuries.
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The FBI is leading an investigation into the incident.
“This is a sad day for the Tohono O’odham Nation, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of this fine officer who gave his life in the line of duty," Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said in a statement. "Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
The Pima County Medical Examiner says the officer's body is headed to their office for an autopsy.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents responded to assist Tohono O'odham Police Department Officers who were attempting to apprehend a subject in Why, Arizona, this morning. Please see below for full statement. pic.twitter.com/jdCFPwkJ8Z
— Roy D. Villareal (@USBPChiefTCA) August 27, 2020
