FBI to investigate killing of Tohono O'odham police officer near Southern Arizona casino
WHY, Ariz. - A Tohono O’odham Nation police officer was killed Thursday while trying to apprehend a suspect on tribal land near the tiny southern Arizona community of Why, authorities said.
Tribal police said officers were responding to reports of a public disturbance by an armed and erratic driver around 9 a.m. near Desert Diamond Casino.
During the apprehension, police said one officer suffered a serious injury and was airlifted to a hospital in Phoenix where he was pronounced dead.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey identified the fallen officer as Bryan Brown and announced that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Aug. 28 to honor Brown.
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According to a separate statement released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol agents responded at around 9:00 a.m. to assist Tohono O'odham police officers who were trying to arrest a person. The person tried to flee the area, but was later arrested by Border Patrol agents.
FBI officials say the suspect was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.
FBI officials say they are investigating the shooting, along with the Tohono O'odham Police Department.
Why is a town about 120 miles west of Tucson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.