FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION, Ariz. – A White Mountain Apache Police Department officer was killed early Monday morning.
Releasing information on behalf of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and Governing Body, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said the White Mountain Apache Police Department received a report of gunfire near the Hon-Dah Resort Casino shortly before 1 a.m. The first officer on the scene found the described suspect.
“The subject immediately engaged in a violent, physical altercation with the officer, during which, the officer was shot,” NCSO said in news release. “A second responding officer arrived shortly after, and fearing for his life and the public’s safety, shot the suspect.”
Both the officer and suspect were taken to the hospital where they died of their injuries, azfamily.com reported. No other information was immediately available.
While the law enforcement agencies did not release the officer’s name, Jerold Altaha, District II Councilmember, identified him as Officer David Kellywood.
The FBI is handling the investigation, according to NCSO.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Col. Frank Milstead offered condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the women and men of the White River Police Department. As they deal with the shooting death of Officer David Kellywood,” Col. Milstead said. “The dangers of police work is ever present as we protect all from the wicked and evil.”
Both Winslow Police Department and the Heber-Overgaard Fire District shared their thoughts as well.