SAFFORD — For the second time in less than two months, Safford Police officers were involved in the death of a suspect.
According to a release, at about 4 a.m. Thursday, July 7, officers responded to the 700 block of 9th Avenue following reports of a burglary. There, officers encountered a man covered in blood.
The man was reportedly acting erratically and became combative with the officers, so the officers used pepper spray and TASERS in attempt to bring the man under control.
The release does not state why the man was covered in blood or when the man lost consciousness, but does report that medical personnel called to the scene were unable to revive the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect’s name has not yet been released and Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident.
Due to the ongoing investigation, 7th Street is closed between 8th and 9th avenues, and 9th Avenue is closed between 7th and 8th streets.
On May 29, Safford Police officers and Graham County Sheriff’s deputies encountered Paul John, 51, on the 2300 block of U.S. Highway 191. John reportedly fired a weapon at the officers, and he was shot and killed when officers returned fire.
