x
Breaking News
More () »

Former Arizona police officer arrested for fatal hit-and-run crash

The pedestrian was allegedly hit by a police vehicle on Thanksgiving Day and died. The White Mountain Apache officer allegedly fled the scene.

NAVAJO COUNTY, Ariz. — A former White Mountain Apache police officer has been arrested on suspicion of fatally hitting a pedestrian last Thursday.

Josh Anderson is accused of hitting a person on State Route 73 near the Hon-Dah Casino at about 3:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office. Anderson then allegedly fled the scene. 

The victim later passed away and has been identified as Iris Billy. 

Investigators inspected Anderson's patrol car and observed evidence on it that was consistent with the hit-and-run collision, NCSO said. 

Anderson was arrested Friday night and submitted his resignation to the White Mountain Apache Police Department. He's facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal negligence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

The FBI has subsequently taken over the investigation.

"The White Mountain Apache Police Department acted in a swift, transparent, and aggressive manner to find the facts and document the incident," the police department said in a statement through NCSO. "Their professionalism and vigilance throughout the investigation resulted in the ability to gather evidence and facts surrounding the death of Iris Billy."

Watch 12News+ for free

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."

Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

Before You Leave, Check This Out