An Arizona police officer was fatally shot on Friday while trying to stop a fleeing carjacker.
An Arizona police officer was fatally shot on Friday while trying to stop a fleeing carjacker, who authorities say stole three different vehicles before he was caught.
Nogales Officer Jesus Cordova initiated a traffic stop after spotting suspect David Ernesto Murillo driving away from the scene. Murillo got out of his vehicle and opened fire, according to authorities.
Cordova was shot multiple times. He was flown to a Tucson hospital where he died from his injuries. He was 44.
« I’m speechless. It feels like a nightmare, » Nogales Police Chief Roy Bermudez said Friday, according to Nogales International. « I’m frustrated, I’m mad. So many emotions going through me right now. »
Murillo, 28, carjacked two more vehicles and then fled on foot before being apprehended in a trailer park. A local resident posted video of dozens of law enforcement officers closing in on Murillo and arresting him.
« It was very scary because cops were really close to our house and we didn’t know what was happening, » trailer park resident Gloria Alejandra Parra Bustamante told Nogales International.
Cordova had been with the Nogales Police Department for less than a year. He worked with the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office for 11 years, according to Nogales International.
« I was glad to take him in because of the reputation that he had, » Bermudez said, according to Nogales International.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state government buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday to honor Officer Cordova.
Ducey said Saturday Cordova was a dedicated public servant and that his death is a reminder of the sacrifices that police officers make to keep their communities safe.
With News Wire Services
