At approximately 9:55 am this morning, Safford police officers responded to the area near the 500 block of 10th Ave. The initial report stated that a male, later identified as Steven Stone, was near the area of the Chamber of Commerce and had been involved in a dispute with a female. Stone was identified to be in possession of a firearm and had displayed the weapon at a certain point.
Upon arrival to the area, a Safford officer contacted Stone and began giving him commands to deescalate the situation in order to safely approach Stone. Stone was uncompliant and brandished his weapon towards the Officer. The Officer discharged his duty weapon on Stone, striking him.
At this time, the wounds sustained by Stone did not prove to be fatal and he was transported to the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment. Stone was identified as the only suspect in this incident.
Safford Police were assisted by Thatcher Police Department, Pima Police Department and Graham County Sheriffs Department. The Arizona Department of Public Safety Major Incident Team was requested to investigate. 10th Ave. and areas of Firth Park and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce will be closed for an extended period of time for investigation.
