Man accused of killing Chandler Police officer to enter plea in court in June
PHOENIX - The man accused of killing a Chandler Police officer and injuring a Gilbert Police officer during a pursuit last month will appear in court in June to enter a plea.
Jonathon Altland, 25, has been indicted on murder, aggravated assault, and auto theft charges. He is accused of killing Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar and severely injuring Gilbert Police Officer Rico Aranda.
Officer Christopher Farrar (Courtesy: Chandler Police)
Officer Rico Arranda
Authorities say Altland was driving a stolen vehicle on April 29 when he ran down both officers during a pursuit.
Police say the pursuit started in Eloy when Altland shot at a sheriff's deputy who tried to pull him over.
Following the shooting, Altland allegedly drove to the Valley and crashed through a gate at the Chandler Municipal Airport before driving the wrong way on the Loop 202 and crashing into an embankment.
Jonathon Altland
Altland then ran from the crash to the SanTan Motorplex in Gilbert where he allegedly stole another vehicle and ran down both officers.
Officer Farrar died at the hospital and Officer Aranda is recovering from a serious head injury.
Altland is being held on a $3 million bond.
He is scheduled to be in court on June 2.
Continuing Coverage
- Grand jury indicts man on charges connected with crash that killed Chandler police officer in April
- Police: Man to face murder, other charges in Chandler officer’s death
- Remembering Christopher Farrar: Vigil held for Chandler police officer hit and killed by suspect
- Gilbert officer recovering after getting hit by suspect driving stolen vehicle
Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news:
Get breaking news alerts in the FREE FOX 10 News app. Download for Apple iOS or Android.