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Pima County Sheriff's deputy dies following critical incident

By: Megan Meier , KGUN 9 News Staff

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TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The deputy involved in a critical incident Thursday has died, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said Saturday.

At this time, no further details will be released at the request of the family. PCSD says there is no active threat the community following this incident.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department released a statement Saturday:

It is with incredible sadness that I inform you that the deputy involved in the critical incident on November 18, 2021, has passed away.

At the request of the deputy’s family, we are not releasing any further details at this time. However, there is no active threat to the community related to this incident.

Please understand, this is a difficult time for our Department and the deputy’s family. Thank you for your support.

An emotional Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, spoke to the community, Thursday. He asked for prayers for one of their own.

"We're just praying for him," said Nanos.

Just before 3 p.m. on Thursday, a Pima County Sheriff's Deputy was found in his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. As of Friday morning, he was in critical condition.

"Our communication center had an open mic. They tried reaching the deputy. He did not respond. We sent units to his location. That's where he was found," said Nanos.

Deputies responded and began investigating an area near Julian Drive and Palo Verde Road.

Deputy shot in Tucson

"We have a protocol to look into every angle of this incident. Of course, we're going to respond and search the area as best we can," said Nanos.

The deputy was not on a call when the incident occurred. Nanos said there are no suspects and no threat to the community.

"When we have someone who is a family member of ours, who is a victim of a gunshot wound, we want to get help as quickly as possible," said Nanos.

The deputy was transported to Banner University Medical Center where he was taken into surgery. His family was notified and escorted to the hospital.

Members of the organization, Tucson Back the Blue Line, gathered at the hospital to show their support.

"We came out to show support for, not only his family and friends, but the law enforcement community that is suffering at this time," said Ross Kaplowitch with Tucson Back the Blue Line.

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