PHOENIX — A Yavapai County sheriff’s deputy died Tuesday afternoon in a shootout with a suspect, who was taken into custody, officials said.
Richard Lopez, 51, of Prescott Valley, died after being airlifted to a hospital in Phoenix.
On Wednesday, the suspect was identified as Mayer’s Robert McDowell, 61, and was arrested after an hour-long roadblock at Cordes Lakes. He was charged with first-degree murder.
“We are hurt. Our agency is damaged,” Sheriff David Rose said at a news conference. late night press conference in Phoenix on Tuesday.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday ordered the state capitol to lower the state flag to half the staff in honor of Lopez.
“This needless violence is just awful,” Ducey said. press release. “Arizona will always stand for brave law enforcement. Sergeant Lopez was an incredible community service worker whose lifespan was cut too short by his unwise misconduct.”
Rose said Lopez was chasing the alleged thief around 1:30 p.m. After the chase extended into the Lake Cordes district, residents reported that police were in trouble and began calling 911.
Deputies arrived in the area of Stagecoach Trail and Red Rock Road, but found Lopez unresponsive. They took him to the fire station, where paramedics airlifted him to HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center.
Lopez will return to Prescott Valley on Wednesday in a glorious motorcade that begins at 7:00 pm in Phoenix, ascends Interstate 17, continues to State Route 69, and ends at Sunrise Funeral Home.
The procession is expected to arrive in the Prescott Valley area between 8:30pm and 9:00pm
Mr. Lopez worked for the ministry for 14 years after quitting his managerial position to take a job in public security, Mr. Rose said.
He is survived by a wife and two daughters.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations for Lopez’s family. Checks, money orders/cash checks or cash can be hand delivered or mailed to 255 E. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301.
Send a check to the YCSO Employee Fund and write “Charity Fund: Richard Lopez” in the memo line.
“Violence against law enforcement is escalating everywhere and must stop,” Rose said.
“They are people who serve their communities and protect life, liberty and property, but they are not entitled to do so.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
