Video shows the suspect attempting to take the child, who authorities say he does not have custody of, and struggling with officers until several shots are fired.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima County authorities have released 911 calls and body camera footage from the night of Dec. 21, 2023, when two police officers responding to a domestic dispute were shot and killed.
Deputies with the Pima County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence near Shannon and Overton streets in Casas Advice after receiving a 911 call that someone was attempting to remove an unaccompanied child.
“There was a problem. He tried to take the child,” a person who later identified himself as the child's grandfather said in a 911 call. “He's trying to say he has the papers but his mother isn't here and I'm not going to take the child because I'm the grandfather.”
Pima County officials said in response to deputies that the suspect, identified as Jordyn Guadalupe Sanchez, 29, does not have court-ordered custody of the child and will not attempt to remove her from the child. Instead, she allegedly tried to take the child and leave.
As the officers attempted to take him into custody, Sanchez clashed with them, a video broadcast showing the officers and Sanchez falling to the ground outside. Shortly after, the first gunshots are heard. Officials have not said who fired the first shot.
Officers and Mr. Sanchez continued to exchange gunfire, with more than a dozen gunshots seen on video. Both deputies and Mr. Sanchez were shot and killed, officials said.
Deputies can then be heard on the radio pleading for help.
“You've been shot!” one of the deputies yells.
Sanchez fled the scene but was later arrested on the street, Pima County officials said. Both deputies and Mr. Sanchez suffered serious injuries and were taken to Banner University Medical Center.
Sanchez was treated for his injuries and taken to jail. He faces multiple felonies, including attempted murder, felony endangerment and obstruction of custody.
Deputies Jaylon McEwen and Leonard Wells have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home with their families, Pima County officials said.
Officials said Wells was the person who fired the gun during the event.
The Pima Regional Major Incident Team is in charge of the criminal investigation.
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