Police Officer killed and others injured in Arizona in pursuit of stolen car
A situation at a car dealership complex on Friday in Arizona claimed life one police officer.
Dozens of law enforcement agencies responded to the situation. Officials said that a suspect driving stolen car hit two officers, including Chandler Police officer Christopher Farrar, 18-year veteran of the force. He taken was to Chandler Regional Medical Centre where he later died, as per Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg. He added that a number of other officers were injured, one critically.
According to Soelberg, the pursuit began miles away from Eloy, where a driver was pulled over for speeding at 10:22 p.m. local time. It ended near Chandler Airport after the suspect rammed through one of the gates.
As per reports, the suspect ended back on the freeway, leading police to Gilbert, where he changed his car by stealing another car from one of the dealership at the SanTan Motorplex.
“It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of Chandler Police officer, Christopher Farrar,” the department wrote on Twitter.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar. Officer Farrar was struck and killed by a suspect driving a stolen vehicle earlier this evening. He was a 18-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department. pic.twitter.com/msQ19LT70L
— Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) April 30, 2021
Medical Helicopters and ambulances were spotted leaving the site and several officers were spotted at Chandler Regional Medical Centre, as per reports.
A video posted on Twitter shows police officers helping a fellow officer who has been injured.
Sending prayers to our Gilbert & Chandler, AZ police tonight. This video is from the 202 in front of San Tan Ford where officers were shot. Warning an injured officer is seen. @FOX10Phoenix THANK YOU to the men & women in blue who serve & protect. @GilbertPolice @ChandlerPolice pic.twitter.com/KbQvjBIlGs
— Ms. Rocketheels (@Rocketheels) April 30, 2021
While no information on the suspect is released, officials claimed that he is custody as he was injured during a shootout with seven officer at the SanTan Motorplex.
An employee at the dealership was injured and taken to hospital.
Couple of hours after the incident, Arizona dept. of transportation tweeted that the area was closed and there was no estimated time to reopen.
