SAFORD — The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating a shooting involving two Safford police officers.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, when officers were dispatched to the 1200 block on 12th Avenue after receiving a call that two men were arguing.
Upon arrival, officers reported seeing Douglas Van Lam of Graham County carrying a handgun. Van Lam reportedly ignored multiple orders to drop his weapons and pointed his gun at one of the police officers who responded. Two other police officers then opened fire and hit Van Lam on an undisclosed number of occasions.
Van Lam was taken to Mount Graham Regional Medical Center, where reports said his injuries were non-fatal.
Ms. Safford was assisted by the Graham County Sheriff’s Department and Thatcher Police Department, and initial reports said Mr. Van Lam threatened a Safford Public Works employee with a gun before law enforcement arrived.
The identity of the police officer involved in the shooting has not yet been released.
Roads in the 9th Avenue and 12th Avenue area will be closed for an undetermined period of time during an ongoing investigation.
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